Clinical Research Directory

Assessing the Impact of Unnecessary Antibiotic Treatment on the Development of Appropriate Adaptive Immune Responses in Malnourished Bangladeshi Infants

Sponsor: University of Virginia

Summary

We are examining the role of circulating T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in the induction of the antibody responses. We hypothesize that Tfh cell activation is impaired in Bangladeshi children and that this activation failure is associated with a history of antibiotic use. The results of our preliminary studies suggest that antibiotic treatment could have a detrimental effect on the development of an appropriate adaptive immune response against Cryptosporidium. Antibiotic treatment for children with cryptosporidiosis, rotavirus and adenovirus 40/41is not currently recommended (supportive therapy only), although usually given to children in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This study will randomly assign children with diarrhea due to Cryptosporidium, rotavirus or adenovirus 40/41 to two groups. Supportive treatment would be provided in both groups, but in group #1, antibiotic treatment would be withheld while group #2 will receive usual care which normally will include antibiotic treatment. We will monitor the children for one year to measure T follicular helper function, antibody production, and reinfection.

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