REMBRANDT: REcovery of the MicroBiome fRom Antibiotics for Dental implanTs

Description

Antimicrobial therapy can lead to disruption of the gut microbiome and infection with Clostridioides difficile, a disease associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly among the elderly. Drawing on observations that pet ownership and close contact with pets are protective against colonization with C. difficile and recurrence of C. difficile infection, the proposed study will test the hypothesis that microbiota that provide colonization resistance against C. difficile are shared between patients and their pets and that pet contact can mitigate antimicrobial-associated gut dysbiosis and the risk of C. difficile infection. This study will further define epidemiologic and pathophysiologic characteristics of C. difficile infection and gut microbiome dysbiosis that could enhance therapeutic options for these conditions, potentially through non-invasive interventions involving animal contact.

Conditions

Dysbiosis, Clostridium Difficile, Pet-Human Bonding, Antibiotic-Associated Colitis

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

Antimicrobial therapy can lead to disruption of the gut microbiome and infection with Clostridioides difficile, a disease associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly among the elderly. Drawing on observations that pet ownership and close contact with pets are protective against colonization with C. difficile and recurrence of C. difficile infection, the proposed study will test the hypothesis that microbiota that provide colonization resistance against C. difficile are shared between patients and their pets and that pet contact can mitigate antimicrobial-associated gut dysbiosis and the risk of C. difficile infection. This study will further define epidemiologic and pathophysiologic characteristics of C. difficile infection and gut microbiome dysbiosis that could enhance therapeutic options for these conditions, potentially through non-invasive interventions involving animal contact.

Impact of Pet Contact on Antimicrobial-associated Dysbiosis and Clostridioides Difficile Infection

REMBRANDT: REcovery of the MicroBiome fRom Antibiotics for Dental implanTs

Condition
Dysbiosis
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Philadelphia

The Robert Schattner Center, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * 18 years of age or older.
  • * Receiving a dental implant.
  • * Ability to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study.
  • * Antimicrobial therapy or hospitalization in the prior three months;
  • * Any gastrointestinal illness or underlying pathology (e.g., Inflammatory Bowel Disease, gastric ulceration)
  • * Sustained diarrheal disease (i.e., at least 3 episodes of loose or watery stool per day for 3 or more days) in the prior 3 months;
  • * Prior history of CDI in the prior year;
  • * Immunomodulating medication (e.g., tumor necrosis factor inhibitors or systemic steroids) or conditions (e.g., leukemia)
  • * Inability or unwillingness of individual or legal guardian/representative to give written informed consent.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Pennsylvania,

Laurel Redding, VMD, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Pennsylvania

Study Record Dates

2026-05-01