Bacteriophage, MDR E coli and MicroRNA dynamics in the gut microbiome
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Metagenomic, Phageomic and MicroRNAase monitoring of the gut microbiome in critically ill patients
IRAS ID
268838
Contact name
Tony Whitehouse
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
In healthy individuals, the gut is home to a wide variety of bacteria (the human microbiome) but in long-stay ICU patients this is disrupted and often sees an overgrowth of resistant bacteria. Bacteriophages are viruses that are only harmful to bacteria and so shape bacterial communities.
Our group has previously demonstrated that some ICU patients dramatically simplify their gut microbiome from thousands of species to (sometimes) one. We would like to measure the resistant genes, phage and miRNAs components of the gut microbiome to understand their roles in the microbiome changes. Identifying antibiotic-resistant bacteria could enable us to tailor antibiotic usage and improve infection prevention measures. Little is known about the changes or the role of miRNA in critical illness. This may help to develop possible therapies such as phage combinations, improved antibiotic use, probiotics and faecal transplants.
This single centre study will recruit ICU patients over 18, expected to be ICU for more than 48 hours providing they have not passed faeces whilst on the ICU. Patients or their Consultee will be approached for study participation. The first faecal sample passed on ICU will be collected and thereafter, the faecal sample passed each day will be collected until discharge from ICU (or death). MiRNA will be collected daily by saliva swab taken from the mouth.
We will then analyse the DNA and RNA in the saliva and stool so that we can identify the number and types of each component (bacteria, phages and miRNAs). Patient data will be collected: including gender, age, admission reason, LOS prior to ICU admission, drug/antibiotic history. Combining these data will allow us to map the changes with time, admission diagnosis, antibiotic use and ICU treatment.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/YH/0067
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion