EPIC

EPIC Study

E. coli Antibody Protein in Children

Study Summary

Diarrhea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in infants worldwide. Specifically, Enteropathogenic E.coli (EPEC) is responsible for 1.3 million deaths annually. We have recently demonstrated the presence of a complementary, sex-hormone dependent, antibody-driven  mechanism of capturing EPEC in the livers of female mice. This mechanism resulted in a significant survival advantage during a subsequent EPEC infection.

The level of these protective antibodies rises throughout puberty in females but remains virtually non-existent in males. High levels of these antibodies are also detected in newborn mice of both sexes early in life which then dropped off, suggesting they were transferred from mom.

The goal of this study is to determine if a similar mechanism is present in humans by determining if  sex, age and breastfeeding history influence anti-EPEC antibody levels in children aged 0-17 years.

Objectives

  1. To determine whether a history of breast-feeding results in higher levels of anti-EPEC antibodies in newborn and infant children
  2. To determine whether circulating estrogen levels correlate with anti-EPEC levels
  3. To determine whether there are similar antibody responses to non-EPEC causes of infection in children

Principal Study Investigator: Dr. Paul Kubes

Leading Institution: University of Calgary

PERT Site Investigator: Dr. Graham Thompson

PERT Site Research Coordinator: Ashley Jones

Study Team: Josee Wong, Dr. Craig Jenne, Dr. Bruna Araujo David, Carol Rizkalla