Azithromycin adjunct in kids with severe malnutrition in Africa

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This trial involves young children with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa. They will be randomly assigned to receive azithromycin, amoxicillin, or placebo alongside standard care, and followed to measure weight gain, nutritional recovery, and effects on the gut microbiome. The study builds on previous findings that antibiotics can influence outcomes in malnutrition and may identify a superior option for this population. Enrollment appears feasible based on pilot data showing rapid recruitment, and the study aims to clarify whether a broader-spectrum or a targeted antibiotic provides the most benefit. Results could inform guidelines for antibiotic use in SAM and potentially improve child survival and health.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Washington University
  Saint Louis, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Oldenburg, Catherine Elizabeth — Washington University
• Study coordinator: Oldenburg, Catherine Elizabeth

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Azithromycin added to standard care for kids with severe malnutrition in Africa

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  NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-11625627

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  NIH research University of Texas Med Br Galveston · Galveston, United States · NIH-11595691

• Digital tools to fight adolescent malnutrition in schools (low-resource settings)

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  NIH research Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · Boston, United States · NIH-11520385

• How caregiver mental health affects recovery from severe malnutrition in young children

  This project will track caregivers' depression and anxiety while their children get treatment for severe acute malnutrition to learn how caregiver mental health relates to child recovery and relapse.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11514557

• Preventing Growth Problems in Poor Children by Treating Small Intestine Bacteria

  A phase II effort in urban Bangladesh tests a treatment plan to stop growth failure and malnutrition in young children by addressing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

  NIH research University of Virginia · Charlottesville, United States · NIH-11478598

• Prioritizing food system changes to reduce adolescent hunger and malnutrition in low-income areas

  A project will work with teens in low-income urban areas of Nairobi, Kenya, to understand how local food systems affect their nutrition and find practical ways to improve access to healthy foods.

  NIH research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · Newark, UNITED STATES · NIH-11474068

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.