Using fecal microbiota transplant to treat small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in children

Pilot Feasibility Study of Fecal Microbiota Transplant for the Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Phase 1 Interventional McMaster Children's Hospital · NCT05967871

This study is testing if a new treatment using fecal microbiota transplant can help children with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth feel better instead of relying on antibiotics.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorMcMaster Children's Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Hamilton, Ontario and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05967871 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot feasibility study aims to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of a novel fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) protocol specifically for pediatric patients suffering from small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The study will assess the feasibility of administering FMT, including the acceptability to both children and their parents, as well as the ease of administration and sample collection. Participants will be children aged 3 to 18 years who have been diagnosed with SIBO and will discontinue antibiotics prior to the intervention. The study seeks to provide an alternative treatment approach to traditional broad-spectrum antibiotics, which may lead to persistent dysbiosis and other complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 3 to 18 years diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Not a fit: Patients younger than 3 years old or those currently on antibiotics or other specified treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a novel and effective solution for managing SIBO in pediatric patients, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While fecal microbiota transplantation has been established for other conditions, this specific application for pediatric SIBO is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients 3-18 years old
* Patients will discontinue antibiotics for at least 1 week prior to FMT
* A diagnosis of SIBO established through lactose breath test (LBT), and showing of symptoms of SIBO

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants will not be permitted to start any new treatments (including antibiotics, probiotics, antacid treatments, or antimotility treatments) until Week 8, unless clinically indicated
* We will exclude participants \<3yo to avoid potential concerns of microbial transmission in young children, and to ensure participants are developmentally able to perform LBT

  * All potential participants should request a referral through their primary, or subspecialty physician. We would be pleased to help facilitate this contact if needed, provided the appropriate contact information can be sent.

Where this trial is running

Hamilton, Ontario and 1 other locations

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 Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
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.