Collecting microbiome samples to study health and disease

A Repository to Study Host-Microbiome Interactions in Health and Disease

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT05656378

This study is collecting samples from people of all ages to learn more about how our gut bacteria affect our health and diseases.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment600 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) (nih)
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05656378 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to collect microbiome samples from individuals of all ages to create a repository for future research on host-microbiome interactions. Participants will provide biological specimens such as stool, urine, saliva, vaginal fluid, and breastmilk, along with completing a questionnaire about their medical history and diet. The collected samples will be used to validate assays, optimize collection techniques, and identify potential targets for clinical trials related to microbiome-associated diseases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals over the age of 3 who are willing to provide biological samples for research.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that may pose undue risk or make them unsuitable for participation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of how the microbiome influences health and disease, potentially leading to improved treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have successfully utilized microbiome sample collections to advance our understanding of health and disease, indicating that this approach is promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

* Aged \>0 years. Only participants \>3 years old will be seen at the NIH CC.
* Willing to allow biological samples and data to be stored for future research.
* Willing to provide at least one of the requested biospecimens.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

* An individual who has any condition that, in the judgment of the investigator, may put them at undue risk or make them unsuitable for participation in the study will be excluded.
* For additional gastrointestinal and skin biopsies only, individuals on blood thinners unless they have already been stopped for the procedure.
* For additional gastrointestinal biopsies only, individuals who have a history of gastrointestinal perforation with endoscopic biopsies will be excluded from the collection of additional gastrointestinal biopsies for the repository.
* For additional gastrointestinal biopsies only, healthy children (\<18 years old).
* For skin biopsies only, individuals who have a history of keloid formation.
* For vaginal swabs and vaginal fluid only, individuals who have not started menses.
* For breast milk only, non-lactating individuals.

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Healthy Controls, Pregnancy, Pediatric Illnesses, Inflammatory Diseases, Microbiome, Host Response, Children, Natural History

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.