The Influence of Histo-blood Group Antigen Polymorphism on the Composition of the Microbiota

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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A person's blood type is defined by the types of sugars they express on their red blood cells, with antibodies being made to non-self sugars and excluding blood cells expressing these sugars (the basis of blood transfusion reactions). These same sugars can be expressed by commensal bacteria in our gut lumens. The investigators hypothesize that a person's antibodies to non-self sugars also attach to and exclude non-self sugar-expressing bacteria in our guts. Supporting our hypothesis, a person's blood type correlates with the overall composition of their gut flora. Because these sugars are also used by certain pathogens to initiate infection, this information could directly inform our understanding of host susceptibility to various infectious organisms.

Detailed Description
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A member of the study staff will collect a small volume of blood sample through a finger prick and 2-3 milliliters of saliva from you. Using these samples, we will determine your blood type (defined by your expression of specific sugars on your red blood cells) and your expression pattern of these sugars in body secretions (e.g., saliva). You will provide us with a fecal sample collected the day of your appointment. The fecal sample should be collected in a pre-provided collection container and should be collected within 12 hours of drop-off. Using your fecal sample, we will determine the types of bacteria present in your normal gut flora and whether they express the same sugars expressed on your blood cells. Tests will be done only for research purposes and will not be evaluated or used to diagnose or treat any of your medical problems. Sample collection may need to be repeated if required for your medical care in the future.

Official Title
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The Influence of Histo-blood Group Antigen Polymorphism on the Composition of the Microbiota

Conditions
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Microbiota Analysis in Healthy Subjects

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Healthy Adults


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: healthy, adult Exclusion Criteria: younger than 18, older than 60, pregnant

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Healthy Adults<br>The following samples will be collected: fecal, blood, and saliva | Other: Healthy Adults<br>* The following samples will be collected: fecal, blood, and saliva. The samples will be tested for HBGA-reactive antigens using an immunoaffinity assay.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Blood typing (Blood and saliva will be used to determine overall blood type) | Blood and saliva will be used to determine overall blood type. | 1 day | 
| Quantitative PCR (PCR will be used to enumerate commensal bacteria in fecal samples) | PCR will be used to enumerate commensal bacteria in fecal samples | 1 day |