Exploring how pet ownership may help restore gut health after antibiotics in dental implant patients
Impact of Pet Contact on Antimicrobial-associated Dysbiosis and Clostridioides Difficile Infection
This study is trying to see if having a pet can help people who have had dental implants recover their gut health after taking antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05622721 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the impact of pet ownership on gut microbiome recovery following antibiotic treatment in patients receiving dental implants. It aims to understand how shared microbiota between pets and their owners may provide protection against Clostridioides difficile infection, a serious consequence of gut dysbiosis. By examining the epidemiologic and pathophysiologic characteristics of gut microbiome changes, the study seeks to identify non-invasive interventions that could enhance recovery from antibiotic-associated dysbiosis. The research will involve monitoring participants' gut health and their interactions with pets over time.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are receiving dental implants and can comply with study procedures.
Not a fit: Patients who have had recent antimicrobial therapy, gastrointestinal illnesses, or a history of Clostridioides difficile infection may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating Clostridioides difficile infections through pet ownership.
How similar studies have performed: While the protective effects of pet ownership against C. difficile have been observed, this specific approach to studying microbiome recovery is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion 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. Exclusion Criteria: * 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.
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- The Robert Schattner Center, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laurel Redding, VMD, PhD — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Laurel Redding, VMD, PhD
- Email: lredding@upenn.edu
- Phone: 6109256307
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.