Identifying sources of bloodstream infections in children

Using Microbial Genomics to Elucidate the Source of Central-line Associated Bloodstream Infections

Observational Boston Children's Hospital · NCT02271243

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 typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorBoston Children's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT02271243 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include hospitalized children at Boston Children's Hospital with central venous catheters and laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections.

Not a fit: Patients with secondary bloodstream infections as defined by the CDC may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: While the approach of using microbial genomics is gaining traction, this specific investigation into CLABSIs and mucosal barrier injury is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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 Laboratory-confirmed Bloodstream InfectionCentral Line-associated Bloodstream InfectionsMucosal Barrier InjuryCentral line-associated bloodstream infectionsmucosal barrier injurylaboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection
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.