How pet cats change the nose and gut microbiome in people with cat allergies
Effects of Pet Cats on Nasal and Intestinal Microorganisms in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis Who Are Allergic to Cat Allergen
The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University · NCT07110311
This project tests whether living with a pet cat changes the nasal and gut microbiomes in adults with allergic rhinitis who are sensitized to cat allergens.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Nanjing, Jiangsu) |
| Trial ID | NCT07110311 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational study enrolling adults (18–65) with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis and confirmed cat allergen sensitization seen at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Participants provide nasal and stool specimens and complete questionnaires about pet exposure and symptoms, with no investigational treatment given. The study compares microbiome patterns between patients who live with pet cats and those who do not to look for differences that might relate to allergy severity. Findings aim to link real-world pet exposure to specific nasal and gut microbial signatures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–65 with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis who test positive for cat allergen sensitization and are willing to provide nasal and stool samples.
Not a fit: People with other nasal diseases (for example nasal tumors or papilloma), children, those not sensitized to cat allergens, or those unwilling to provide specimens are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians give clearer advice about pet ownership and point toward microbiome-informed approaches to reduce allergy symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown that pet exposure can change gut and airway microbiomes and influence allergy risk, but focused work specifically on nasal and gut microbiota in cat-allergic adults is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients (18-65 years). * Patients with moderate to severe dust mite allergic rhinitis were diagnosed based on clinical history and positive cat allergen sensitization tests (skin prick test and/or specific IgE). * Patients who visited the Department of Otolaryngology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who refused to accept specimen and questionnaire collection. * Patients who had nasal diseases other than allergic rhinitis, such as nasal papilloma and nasal malignant tumor.
Where this trial is running
Nanjing, Jiangsu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000 — Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lei Cheng, PhD
- Email: chenglei@jsph.org.cn
- Phone: +8613776620807
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.
Conditions: Allergic Rhinitis