RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Pathogen-microbiome Interaction During Helicobacter Pylori Infection

This study aims to understand how Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, which lives in many people's stomachs, affects the different types of germs (your microbiome) in your gut. While H. pylori can cause serious problems like stomach ulcers or even cancer in some, others live with it without any issues, and for some, it might even be helpful. The researchers believe that changes in your gut microbiome, which can be easily checked from a stool sample, could help predict who develops severe illness and who responds best to treatment. By studying these changes, they hope to get a clearer picture of how H. pylori infection progresses and how to improve treatment success.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital Freiburg

Enrolment target

180

Start

11 Mar 2022

Estimated completion

30 Dec 2025

Helicobacter Pylori Infection

What is this study about?

Imagine your gut is like a bustling garden, full of all sorts of tiny plants and creatures – this is your 'gut microbiome'. When a specific type of bug called H. pylori moves into your stomach, it can sometimes upset the balance of this garden. For some people, H. pylori causes no problems at all, but for others, it can lead to uncomfortable and even serious conditions like stomach ulcers or, in rare cases, stomach cancer.

Doctors don't fully understand why H. pylori affects people so differently. Is it because of the unique mix of bugs already in someone's gut? Does the body's reaction to H. pylori change depending on this mix? This study hopes to answer these important questions. The researchers want to investigate how H. pylori changes the bacteria and fungi in your gut and how these changes might affect whether someone gets very sick or responds well to treatment.

By carefully looking at the H. pylori itself, your body's immune response, and the make-up of your gut bugs (from samples like stool and blood), the scientists hope to find clues. They will use clever computer programs to spot patterns that could help predict who might develop serious problems or who will benefit most from treatment. Ultimately, this research could lead to better ways to understand and manage H. pylori infection for everyone.

Key takeaways

This study investigates how H. pylori bacteria affects the 'good' and 'bad' germs in your gut.
It aims to understand why some people get very ill from H. pylori and others don't.
Researchers hope to find clues in your gut microbiome that predict disease severity and treatment success.
Participation involves providing samples such as stool and blood.
Findings could lead to better ways to manage H. pylori infection in the future.

Who may be eligible?

If you're an adult aged 18 or older, you might be able to take part in this study. They're looking for individuals who are having tests to check for H. pylori infection, as well as healthy volunteers.

For healthy volunteers, you should be between 18 and 65 years old, not pregnant, not currently unwell, and haven't taken antibiotics in the last four weeks. You also shouldn't be on any regular medication.

Unfortunately, if you're under 18, unable to give your agreement to participate, pregnant (for volunteers), or have certain acute illnesses, you wouldn't be able to join this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
If you're a healthy volunteer, are you between 18 and 65?
If you're a volunteer, are you not pregnant?
Have you *not* taken antibiotics in the last 4 weeks (if a volunteer)?
Are you able to give your informed consent to participate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided does not detail the specific number of visits, assessments, or the total duration of participation. However, if you are a patient, taking part would likely involve providing samples (such as tissue, stool, and blood) that are collected during your routine check for H. pylori infection. If you are a healthy volunteer, you would also be asked to provide stool and blood samples. There is no mention of taking any medication as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this could help doctors understand H. pylori infection better, which might lead to improved treatments in the future for many people. For you personally, the direct benefits are not specified, but providing samples usually carries minimal risks, such as slight discomfort from blood tests. You will be fully informed about any potential risks before deciding to participate and always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene
Verified postcode
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in your stomach and sometimes cause problems like ulcers.

What is the 'gut microbiome'?

It's the collection of all the tiny germs, like bacteria and fungi, that live in your intestines and help your body work well.

Why is this study important?

It aims to understand why H. pylori affects some people badly and others not at all, which could lead to better ways to treat it.

What samples will I need to give?

You would likely be asked for samples like stool (poo) and blood, and possibly tissue if you're already having a procedure for H. pylori.

Will I get any specific treatment in this study?

The information doesn't mention any specific treatments given as part of this study; it focuses on understanding and analyzing existing conditions.

How to find out more

Mohamed Tarek Badr, M.D.

mohamed.tarek.badr@uniklinik-freiburg.de 00497612036585 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.