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 under 4
• 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 your child to participate in our research study.