HOUsehold TransmissiON of bacteria (HOUSTON) V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Impact of long-term antibiotic use on HOUSehold TransmissiON of bacteria (HOUSTON Pilot Study)
IRAS ID
308815
Contact name
Haroon Ahmed
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Why and what?
UK guidelines recommend consideration of long-term low-dose antibiotics to prevent frequent infections in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI), and recurrent skin infections (cellulitis).Before starting long-term low-dose antibiotics discussion of the risks and benefits should take place, including the potential risks of developing antibiotic resistance. There is data to inform discussions of the increased risk of carrying antibiotic resistant bacteria in individuals with COPD and recurrent UTIs who use long-term antibiotics compared to those who don’t use long term antibiotics. However, there is no data to inform discussions around the risks of carriage of antibiotic resistant bacteria in close contacts or household members of people taking long-term low-dose antibiotics.
Evidence of an increased risk of developing bacterial resistance and possible impact on poorer clinical outcomes could substantially change clinical understanding and public perception of the risks and benefits of long-term low-dose antibiotics, particularly for people with vulnerable close contacts.
To investigate this problem, we need a large prospective cohort study with microbiological sampling of people using long-term antibiotics and their household members. This study aims to understand whether people would be willing to take part in such a study, how best to recruit participants, participants willingness to provide bio-samples and have their data linked with the SAIL databank.
Who?
People with COPD on a long-term low-dose antibiotic and people with COPD not on a long-term low-dose antibiotic will be recruited, along with a household member.Where?
Participants will be recruited from GP practices and respiratory exercise groups.How?
Background information around participants health and medical conditions will be collected by the research team. Participants will provide a nasal and throat swab which will be sent for laboratory analysis. Participants data will be linked with the SAIL databank.REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SC/0225
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion