Observational Prospective Study to Identify Intestinal Microbial Profiles in Newly Diagnosed Crohn's Disease Patients

Multicentre Observational Cohort Study in Newly Diagnosed Crohn's Disease Patients Aimed at Identifying Intestinal Microbial Profiles Correlated With Low and High Risk of Severe Disease Course

Crohn's disease (CD), a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the intestine, is characterised by a relapsing course. In 25% of cases, the onset of this disease occurs in childhood. Relevant studies have provided evidence of a key role of gut microbial communities (the microbiota) in triggering or maintaining active gut inflammation, pointing to gut dysbiosis as the main event disrupting the balance of microbial communities Recent evidence suggests that, in addition to the bacterial component, the commensal fungal component also plays a crucial role in CD.

The purpose of this prospective, longitudinal, study is to characterise the composition of intestinal bacterial and fungal communities in patients 6-18 years newly diagnosed with Crohn Disease in order to identify a possible association of specific faecal microbial profiles with a severe or mild-to-moderate disease course.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children/young people aged between 6 and 18 years with newly diagnosed CM according to recognised diagnostic criteria
• Obtaining informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Refusal to participate in the study.