Metagenomic monitoring of the gut microbiome
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Metagenomic monitoring of the gut microbiome in critically ill patients
IRAS ID
222006
Contact name
Beryl Oppenheim
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
In healthy individuals, the human gut is home to a wide variety of bacteria and their genes (the human microbiome). However, in the long-stay ICU patient there is a disruption in bacterial diversity. It is important to investigate this disruption in order to recognise “sick microbiomes”, associated with increased risk of infection. This will pave the way for studies on novel approaches to protect and strengthen the gut microbiome, such as improved antibiotic use, use of probiotics and faecal transplants. In addition the ability to identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria will enable us to tailor antibiotic usage to known bacteria and improve infection prevention measures.\nThis is a single centre observational study whereby patients over 18 who are admitted to the ICU and are expected to remain there for more than 48 hours can be recruited providing they have not already passed faeces whilst being on the ICU. Patients or their Consultee will be approached for study participation. The first faecal sample passed on ICU will be collected and sent to the Research team. Thereafter, the first faecal sample passed each calendar day will be collected and sent to the Research team until patient discharge from (or death on) the ICU. Patient data will be collected. This will include: gender, age, reason for admission, length of hospital stay prior to ICU admission, current and previous antibiotic therapy, details of nutrition and drugs administered. Stool samples will be frozen as soon as possible after collection. Bacterial DNA extractions will be performed to provide information on the bacteria present in the samples. \n \n\n\n
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
17/WA/0073
Date of REC Opinion
13 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion