How maternal malnutrition and poor WASH shape infant gut microbiome development

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational cohort enrolls malnourished and matched well-nourished pregnant women in Harare and follows mother–infant pairs for up to three years to document microbiome trajectories and gut health. Cases (MUAC ≤23 cm) and controls (MUAC 25–35 cm) are recruited at ≥20 weeks' gestation with repeated collection of stool, clinical measures, WASH assessments, and breastfeeding samples. The study will measure markers of environmental enteric dysfunction, intestinal inflammation, and infant growth and neurodevelopment. Analyses will link maternal and household exposures (nutrition, WASH, maternal stress) to infant microbiome changes and health outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria for Cases:

* MUAC ≤23 cm in pregnancy
* ≥18 years' old
* At least 20 weeks' gestational age
* Height ≥150 cm
* Planning to be staying in the study area for the next 3 years
* Willing to participate and comply with all study requirements and procedures.

Any pregnant woman meeting the above eligible criteria regardless of HIV status who meet the above inclusion criteria will be invited to participate in the study

Inclusion criteria for Controls

* Age, HIV status, gestational age at enrolment, and area residence matched normo-nourished peers with MUAC ≥25 - ≤35 cm
* Haemoglobin level of ≥11g/dL
* ≥18 years' old
* At least 20 weeks' gestational age
* Height ≥150 cm
* Planning to stay in the study area for the next 3 years

Exclusion Criteria

* Acute or chronic conditions in mothers interfering with the study according to the judgment of the investigator (HIV infection is not an exclusion criterion)
* Presence of severe mental health disorders interfering with study procedures according to the judgment of the investigator.

Where it's running

• University of Zimbabwe
  Harare, Zimbabwe Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Kerina Duri, Phd — University of Zimbabwe
• Study coordinator: Kerina Duri, PhD
• Email: kerina.duri@gmail.com
• Phone: +2634791631

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.