Defining how antibiotics disrupt lung immune responses in asthma and health
This study aims to understand how common antibiotics, like amoxicillin, affect the helpful bacteria living in our bodies, particularly in the gut and lungs. We're investigating if changes to these bacteria impact lung inflammation, especially for people with asthma. Antibiotics don't just kill bad bacteria; they also affect the good ones. We want to know if altering this balance, mainly in the gut where most bacteria live, changes how the lungs respond. If it does, doctors might need to be more careful when prescribing antibiotics, especially since many minor infections get better on their own. We'll compare people with and without mild asthma to see if antibiotics have a different, more significant effect on those with asthma, which could change how their treatment is approached in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is all about understanding how a common antibiotic called amoxicillin affects the tiny living things, known as bacteria, that naturally live inside our bodies – especially in our gut and lungs. These bacteria, often called our 'microbiome', play a big role in our health, including how our immune system works and how much inflammation we might have.
We know that when people take antibiotics, the medicine doesn't just target the bad bacteria causing an infection; it also affects the good, helpful bacteria that live in us. Our main goal is to find out if these changes to our natural bacteria, particularly in the gut, can then influence inflammation in the lungs. We're especially interested in people who have asthma, to see if antibiotics have a bigger or different effect on their lungs compared to people who don't have asthma.
By comparing what happens to the lungs and gut bacteria before and after taking amoxicillin in people both with and without asthma, we hope to learn more about this connection. What we discover could be really important for doctors, helping them decide when and how to best use antibiotics for people with asthma in the future, as reducing unnecessary antibiotic use can be beneficial.
Key takeaways
- Exploring how common antibiotics affect our gut and lung bacteria.
- Investigating the link between these bacteria changes and lung inflammation, especially in asthma.
- Will help doctors understand smarter ways to use antibiotics for asthma patients.
- Involves two bronchoscopy procedures, blood, and stool samples.
- Participation lasts for about one year with follow-up.
- No direct health benefit, but aims to help future patient care.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 80 years old. We're looking for people who are generally healthy, and we'll be including both individuals who have mild asthma and those who do not.
There are a few things that would mean you can't take part. For example, you can't have had any antibiotic medication in the last year, and you shouldn't be currently smoking. If you've ever had a bad reaction or allergy to penicillin or similar antibiotics, this study wouldn't be right for you. Also, if you have certain other health conditions, especially lung conditions other than mild asthma, or if you're taking specific medications for asthma, you might not be able to participate. We'll check all these details carefully to make sure the study is safe for you.
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 between 18 and 80 years old?
- Do you have mild asthma, or are you generally healthy without lung disease?
- Have you avoided antibiotics for the last year?
- Are you a non-smoker or quit smoking over 6 months ago?
- Do you have no known allergy to penicillin type antibiotics?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the study will involve several steps. First, you'll answer some questions about your health and have your lung function checked. Then, you'll have two special procedures called bronchoscopies. During a bronchoscopy, a doctor will gently insert a very thin, flexible tube with a camera, usually through your nose, to look at your lungs and take small fluid samples. You will be given medication to help you relax during this.
Between these two bronchoscopy appointments, you'll take either a course of amoxicillin (a common antibiotic) or an inactive tablet (a placebo) for a short period. Throughout the study, you'll also provide stool samples and have blood taken. We'll collect samples at the two main visits and then at regular times for one year afterwards to see how things change over time. The study will take place at the Manchester Clinical Research Facility and the North-West Lung Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Wythenshawe HospitalApproximateManchester, United Kingdom
Common questions
What kind of asthma do I need to have to join?
You need to have mild asthma, and not be taking regular inhaled steroids or other strong asthma medications. We'll also ask about your asthma control.
Will I definitely receive the antibiotic, or could I get a placebo?
You might receive either the antibiotic amoxicillin or an inactive tablet (a placebo). This helps us compare the effects fairly.
What is a 'bronchoscopy' exactly?
It's a procedure where a very thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera is gently put into your lungs, usually through your nose, to look at them and collect small samples. You'll be given medication to help you relax.
How long will I be involved in the study?
Your involvement in the study, including follow-up, will last for about one year after your initial procedures.
Who is paying for this research?
The study is funded by the Medical Research Council, a major research funder in the UK.
How to find out more
Tim Felton
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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