WGS of Giardia intestinalis from clinical stool samples
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Whole Genome Sequencing of Giardia intestinalis from clinical stool samples - molecular characterization of a hard-to-culture intestinal protozoan parasite
IRAS ID
228436
Contact name
Peter Chiodini
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2018/02/98, UCL Data Protection Registration number
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
This is a research project to test and understand better the intestinal parasite Giardia intestinalis. The aim of the study is to increase our knowledge about this parasite and to investigate why and how it makes people ill. This will help future treatment, particularly in patients who do not get better after first line treatment with metronidazole or tinidazole. By studying the parasite’s genes, we can look at differences in parasites with regard to antibiotic susceptibility and long-term infection.
Giardia intestinalis is a common protozoan parasite found worldwide. In low and middle income countries, where infection is endemic, it is associated with childhood malnutrition and cognitive impairment. In the UK, it is predominantly seen in returning travellers, who present with gastrointestinal symptoms.
To date, studies on symptomatology, virulence and drug resistance in G. intestinalis have been limited to PCR amplification and partial sequencing of a small number of genes.
This project aims to show that unculturable clinical Giardia intestinalis stool samples can be reliably sequenced and genetically characterised with reference to clinically relevant information.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0630
Date of REC Opinion
4 Sep 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion