NMR spectroscopy to identify Clostridium difficile infection
Research type
Research Study
Full title
NMR spectroscopy of human blood, urine and faeces to identify Clostridium Difficile infection
IRAS ID
232755
Contact name
Michael P Williamson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Summary of the study
Introduction
Infection with a microorganism called Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a common cause of diarrhoea in the United Kingdom and other industrialized nations.
Patients may be colonized with C. difficile and apparently healthy or infected with C. difficile and have such symptoms as diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy describes molecules based on electromagnetic signals released in magnetic fields.Question
We propose that small molecules released by C. difficile can be identified in human body fluids that predict whether the patient is colonized or infected with C. difficile.Methods
The NMR facility of the University of Sheffield will be used for NMR spectroscopy studies.
Dr David Partridge of Northern General Hospital has kindly agreed to provide anonymised stoolsamples from patients colonized or infected with C. difficile.
The research is done by Dr Florian Pilsczek and supervised by Professor Mike Williamson.Proposed exploratory work
This is an early study that attempts to explore the potential of our question by testing 10 clinical samples.Application
If we are able to predict colonization and infection our method can be used for diagnostic testing.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0037
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jan 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion