Gut Microbiomes in HD

Exclusion Criteria25

• CAG repeat length ≥ 60 to exclude participants with juvenile onset HD.
• CAG repeat length 36 - 39 to exclude participants with reduced penetrance. As this is a pilot study, we are primarily interested in participants with typical HD characteristics.
• UHDRS Functional Capacity stage ≥ 4 to exclude late-stage HD patients who may be institutionalized and receive nutrition through a feeding tube.
• Use of any of the following drugs within the last 6 months:
• System antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, or anti-parasitics (intravenous, intramuscular, or oral)
• Corticosteroids (intravenous, intramuscular, oral, nasal, or inhaled)
• Cytokines
• Methotrexate, immunosuppressive cytotoxic agents, or chemotherapy
• Commercial probiotics ≥ 100 million CFU (fermented foods, yogurts, and other homeopathic probiotics and prebiotics do not apply)
• Use of topical antibiotics or topical steroids within the last 7 days
• History of active, uncontrolled gastrointestinal disorders or diseases, including:
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Infectious gastroenteritis, colitis, or gastritis
• Clostridium difficile or Helicobacter pylori infection
• Persistent or chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Acute illness with or without fever at time of sample collection
• Positive for HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C
• Confirmed or suspected immunodeficient condition/state
• Major surgery of the GI tract, excluding cholecystectomy and appendectomy
• Unstable dietary history within the past month, such as elimination or significant increase of a major food group in the diet
• Recent history of chronic, excessive alcohol consumption
• Travel outside of the United States within the last 3 months