Using blood samples to identify pathogens in infective endocarditis patients

Accuracy of Metagenomic Blood Sampling to Identify Pathogen in Infective Endocarditis Patients

Queen Mary University of London · NCT06309680

This study is testing a new way to quickly identify the germs causing infective endocarditis in patients to help doctors give better-targeted treatments.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorQueen Mary University of London (other)
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT06309680 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on improving the treatment of infective endocarditis by accurately identifying the causative organisms through clinical metagenomics. Traditional blood culture methods can take up to five days and may fail to identify pathogens in 18% of cases, leading to broader and potentially more toxic antibiotic treatments. By utilizing advanced sequencing technology, the study aims to provide rapid and precise identification of pathogens, which can enhance targeted antimicrobial therapy and improve patient outcomes. The study is conducted at Barts Heart Centre, one of the largest cardiac centers globally, which manages a significant number of infective endocarditis cases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients over 18 years old with possible or confirmed infective endocarditis referred to the BHC Endocarditis MDT.

Not a fit: Patients whose diagnosis of endocarditis is rejected by the MDT or those who have received intravenous antibiotics for more than 7 days prior to study entry may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective and safer treatment options for patients with infective endocarditis.

How similar studies have performed: While traditional blood culture methods have limitations, the use of clinical metagenomics is a novel approach that has shown promise in preliminary studies but is still being evaluated for widespread clinical application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with possible or confirmed IE referred to BHC Endocarditis MDT
* Age \>18
* Able and willing to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients whose diagnosis of endocarditis is "rejected" by the MDT. If this occurs after entry to the study samples will be discarded and the patient informed.
* Patients who have been treated with intravenous antibiotics for more than 7 days at the time of study entry.

Where this trial is running

London

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Infective Endocarditis, endocarditis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.