Examining gut microbiota diversity in young children on long-term antibiotic prophylaxis for urinary reflux

Study of Gut Microbiota Diversity in Children Aged 1-3 Years on Prolonged Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Grade 3 or Higher Vesicoureteral Reflux Compared With 2 Age-matched Control Groups

Observational Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes · NCT05319067

This study looks at how long-term antibiotic use affects the gut bacteria in young children with urinary reflux compared to other children who don't take antibiotics.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages1 Year to 3 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsmethotrexate
Locations2 sites (Montpellier and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05319067 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the gut microbiota diversity in children aged 1-3 years who are receiving prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis for grade 3 or higher vesicoureteral reflux. It compares these children to two age-matched control groups: those with uropathy not on long-term antibiotics and healthy children without uropathy. The study involves stool sampling to analyze the microbiota composition and its potential implications for antibiotic resistance and immune modulation. The goal is to understand how long-term antibiotic use affects gut microbiota diversity in this pediatric population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 1-3 years with grade 3 or higher vesicoureteral reflux who have been on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole therapy for at least 5 months.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic digestive pathology or those who have had recent acute gastroenteritis or curative antibiotic therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the impact of prolonged antibiotic use on gut health and inform better management strategies for children with urinary tract infections.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have indicated that long-term antibiotic use can significantly alter gut microbiota, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The patient must be a member or beneficiary of a health insurance plan
* Patient with no objection to participation in the study from the parent or guardian
* Child with a diversified diet.

  o Specific inclusion criteria for group 1 (cases):
* Child with grade 3 or higher vesicoureteral reflux.
* Child on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole therapy for at least 5 months.

  o Specific inclusion criteria for group 2 (controls):
* Child with uropathy and without long-term trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment.

  o Specific inclusion criteria for group 3 (healthy controls):
* Child without uropathy or long-term trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic digestive pathology
* Acute gastroenteritis or infectious colitis within last 15 days.
* Curative antibiotic therapy taken less than one month ago.
* Chronic inflammatory bowel disease or other localizations
* Congenital or acquired immune deficiency (current treatment with methotrexate, biotherapies, immunosuppressants)
* Patient participating in a category 1 trial likely to modify the intestinal microbiota.
* Patient in an exclusion period determined by another study.
* Patient under court protection, guardianship or curatorship.
* Patient for whom it is impossible to give informed information to person with parental authority.

Where this trial is running

Montpellier and 1 other locations

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.
Conditions Vesicoureteral Reflux 3Antibiotic prophylaxisMicrobiota
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.