Evaluation of Skin, Colonic and Oral Microbiota and Effect of Time and Antibiotic Treatment on Organism Diversity at Each Site

Detailed Summary

Background: * Most studies of infectious agents have focused on specific microbes, such as human papillomaviruses and cervical cancer, and the hepatitis B and C virus and liver cancer. The skin and many internal areas (including the mouth and the gastrointestinal tract) also contain large numbers of naturally occurring microbes, but these areas have not received as much study. * Some of the infectious agents that naturally reside in the body may have an effect on health. The study of naturally occurring microbes in the human body is a new area of research, and much remains to be learned regarding the extent and pattern of their appearance and appropriate techniques for testing them. * Researchers are interested in collecting human samples from areas known to contain naturally occurring microbes. These samples will provide baseline information for further studies. Objectives: \- To collect a set of study samples from individuals who have applied to participate in a study assessing the relationship among the bacteria H. pylori, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. Eligibility: \- Individuals between the ages of 21 and 65 who are participating in the clinical trial entitled A Phase III Randomized Trial of Three Antibiotic Regimens to Eradicate Helicobacter Pylori. Design: * Researchers will collect oral (saliva), colonic, and skin swab samples from study participants who tested positive for the presence of the H. pylori bacteria. These samples will be collected at the three study visits (enrollment, 6 weeks, and 1 year). * Researchers will also collect samples from people who applied for the clinical trial but did not test positive for H. pylori. These samples will be collected at the enrollment visit and 1 year later. * Blood samples will be collected at each study visit.

Study Details

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