Identifying sources of bloodstream infections in children
Official title: Using Microbial Genomics to Elucidate the Source of Central-line Associated Bloodstream Infections
Run by Boston Children's Hospital · NCT02271243 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to find out where bloodstream infections in hospitalized children come from by looking at bacteria in different parts of their bodies and seeing if they match the bacteria in their blood.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston Children's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 2014 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT02271243 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include hospitalized children at Boston Children's Hospital with central venous catheters and laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with secondary bloodstream infections as defined by the CDC may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the origins of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in children by isolating bacteria from various body sites and comparing them to strains found in the bloodstream. Conducted at Boston Children's Hospital, the study will enroll hospitalized children with laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections and collect samples from the oral cavity, respiratory tract, skin, and stool. Whole-genome DNA sequencing will be utilized to assess the genetic diversity of the bacteria, and biomarkers of mucosal barrier injury will also be evaluated. The goal is to determine if many CLABSIs are actually linked to mucosal barrier injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies for bloodstream infections in children.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using microbial genomics is gaining traction, this specific investigation into CLABSIs and mucosal barrier injury is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Hospitalized at Boston Children's Hospital * Central venous catheter of any type including peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) in any location. * Laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (LCBI) diagnosed by a clinical blood culture growing certain Gram-negative rods Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with CDC-defined secondary bloodstream infections
Where it's running
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gregory Priebe, MD — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rachel Bernier, MPH
- Email: Rachel.Bernier@childrens.harvard.edu
- Phone: 857-218-5348
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.