Oral Microbiome Alterations in Children with Perthes Disease V.1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the Association Between the Oral Microbiome, Perthes Disease, and Dental Caries in Children in Northwest England
IRAS ID
355649
Contact name
Sarah Humphreys
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Perthes disease is a paediatric condition characterized by avascular necrosis of the femoral head, leading to long-term hip deformity and mobility issues. While its exact aetiology remains unclear, research suggests that systemic factors, including inflammation and microbiome interactions, may contribute to disease progression. The oral microbiome, which plays a critical role in immune modulation and systemic health, has been implicated in various inflammatory and bone-related disorders. However, its potential involvement in Perthes disease remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the association between the oral microbiome and Perthes disease in children. Specifically, we seek to determine whether children diagnosed with Perthes exhibit distinct oral microbial profiles compared to healthy controls. Identifying microbial alterations could provide new insights into the disease’s underlying mechanisms and potential biomarkers. We will conduct a lab-based study, recruiting children diagnosed with Perthes disease and age-matched healthy controls. Oral samples will be collected and analysed using 16S rRNA sequencing to assess bacterial composition and diversity. Statistical analyses will compare microbial communities between the two groups and evaluate potential correlations between microbiome alterations and disease severity. We hypothesize that children with Perthes disease will display distinct oral microbiome signatures, potentially linked to inflammation and altered bone metabolism. Identifying specific bacterial taxa associated with Perthes could improve understanding of its aetiology and open new avenues for diagnostic or therapeutic strategies. This study bridges the gap between microbiome research and paediatric orthopaedic disorders, exploring a novel avenue for understanding Perthes disease. If a strong microbial association is identified, future research may focus on microbiome-targeted interventions for disease prevention or management.
REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/PR/0397
Date of REC Opinion
30 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion