Infant Antibiotic Microbiome Study
Researchers at Rutgers University are conducting a study in infants and toddlers to better understand how antibiotics affect the developing gut microbiome and how to support its healthy recovery.
Fast Facts
Infants and toddlers younger than 4 years of age
Have not taken antibiotics in the past 3 months
Considered healthy by their pediatrician
New Jersey &
New York
Study Background
Researchers at Rutgers University are conducting a study in infants and toddlers to understand how antibiotics affect the developing gut microbiome and explore ways to support its recovery.
Antibiotics are an important tool for treating infections in young children, but they can also disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, which plays a critical role in growth, immune function, and overall development. Disruptions to the gut microbiome early in life have been linked to conditions such as allergies, asthma, obesity, and other health issues later on.
The REPAIR Project at Rutgers University is designed to better understand how antibiotics affect the gut microbiome in infants and toddlers under the age of 4. We are also exploring whether a treatment called autologous fecal microbiota transplantation (aFMT)—which uses a child’s own healthy gut bacteria collected before antibiotic treatment—can help restore the microbiome after antibiotics and support healthier long-term development.
By participating, families can help advance our understanding of childhood gut health and contribute to research that may improve the long-term well-being of young children.
Study Background
Researchers at Rutgers University are conducting a study in infants and toddlers to understand how antibiotics affect the developing gut microbiome and explore ways to support its recovery.
Antibiotics are an important tool for treating infections in young children, but they can also disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, which plays a critical role in growth, immune function, and overall development. Disruptions to the gut microbiome early in life have been linked to conditions such as allergies, asthma, obesity, and other health issues later on.
The REPAIR Project at Rutgers University is designed to better understand how antibiotics affect the gut microbiome in infants and toddlers under the age of 4. We are also exploring whether a treatment called autologous fecal microbiota transplantation (aFMT)—which uses a child’s own healthy gut bacteria collected before antibiotic treatment—can help restore the microbiome after antibiotics and support healthier long-term development.
By participating, families can help advance our understanding of childhood gut health and contribute to research that may improve the long-term well-being of young children.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are investigating how antibiotics impact the developing gut microbiome in young children. We aim to better understand how disruptions to gut bacteria can affect growth, immune function, and overall health. The REPAIR Project will explore how a child’s own healthy gut bacteria—collected before antibiotic treatment—can be reintroduced through a treatment called autologous fecal microbiota transplantation (aFMT) to help restore the microbiome after antibiotics.
We will study how the gut microbiome changes over time, both naturally and after intervention, and how these changes relate to overall development and long-term health. By carefully monitoring these patterns, we hope to learn whether aFMT can support the gut microbiome in recovering more effectively, which may ultimately help promote healthier growth and development in children.
Your child may be eligible for this study if they meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Healthy infants and toddlers younger than 4 years of age
- Have not taken antibiotics in the past 3 months
- Living in New Jersey or New York
Exclusion Criteria:
- Has a systemic illness or condition
- Older than 4 years old
- Have taken antibiotics in the past 3 months
- Does not live in New Jersey or New York
The entire study lasts approximately 6-12 months. Once enrolled, participation involves:
From home: Parents will collect a small stool sample from their child once a month for 6 months while the child is healthy (and has not taken antibiotics). If the child later takes antibiotics prescribed by their pediatrician, parents can choose to join the intervention group, in which a portion of the child’s pre-antibiotic stool sample (screened for safety) will be given to the child to help restore healthy gut bacteria.
Sample handling: The research team will coordinate sample collection through Uber Health, so families do not need to visit the lab. Parents will also complete brief questionnaires about their child’s health and development throughout the study.
Follow-up: After antibiotics (for those in the intervention group), parents will collect weekly stool samples for 1 month and then monthly for 6 months to track recovery of the gut microbiome.
While there is no payment for participating in the REPAIR Project, your child may benefit from taking part. For children in the intervention group, the study may help restore healthy gut bacteria after antibiotic use, which could support your child’s long-term growth and development.
To make participation easy, we provide free transportation via Uber Health to drop off stool samples—your family will never need to visit the lab.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.