Comprehensive studies of a new improved oral rehydration solution for diarrhoeal disease

Project

Diarrhoea is a major cause of infectious disease mortality in developing countries. Vitamin A and zinc, nutrients essential for intestinal epithelial function, are lost during diarrhoeal illness and this may contribute to impaired intestinal function and persistent diarrhoea. Many diarrhoeal deaths are preventable by the use of oral rehydration solution (ORS), hailed as one of the great medical advances of the 20th century. Unfortunately, ORS is not well accepted by many communities, often due to the fact that it does not reduce manifestations of diarrhoea and is therefore perceived as ineffective.

Research suggests it is possible to increase fluid absorption from both the small intestine and the colon, reducing the symptoms of diarrhoea. This programme will build on this finding to improve the efficiency of ORS. Research on animal models will be used to establish an optimal composition for a new ORS, and the ability of this new formulation to reduce diarrhoea in both children and adults will be tested under strict controlled conditions. A carefully supervised study will then test its acceptance in a rural south Indian community.

Applicants

Professor B S Ramakrishna
Department of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India

Professor H J Binder
Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Connecticut, USA

Professor M J G Farthing
St George's Medical School, University of London, UK