The goal of this study is characterize the changes in bacterial diversity of the upper respiratory tracts of infants with cystic fibrosis (CF). Another goal is to determine when CF patients become colonized with pathogenic bacteria that are responsible for the lethal lung damage in children with CF. Ten subjects will be recruited into the study. Throat swabs will be collected at 6-8 weeks of age, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months of age in order to chart any changes in the bacterial populations of the respiratory tract. Clinical data will also be collected to evaluate the possible influence of external factors on changes in the microbial communities. This study will provide preliminary data on whether probiotics can eradicate the colonization of the respiratory tract by pathogenic bacteria.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Swabs will be moistened in sterile 0.9% sodium chloride solution and rotated in the throat and processed for bacterial cultures and for bacterial DNA extraction.
Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Children's Hospital Boston
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
To characterize the microbial ecology and changes in bacterial diversity of the oropharynx in a cohort of children with CF during the first year of life using 16S rRNA sequence analysis
Time frame: 6-8 weeks of age, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months of age
To describe the clinical variables that may be associated with changes in microbial ecology in children with cystic fibrosis over the first year of life
Time frame: 6-8 weeks of age, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months of age
To explore changes in the microbial ecology of the oropharynx in conjunction with Staphylococcus aureus colonization in children with CF
Time frame: 6-8 weeks of age, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months of age
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.