Gastrointestinal and Urinary Tract Microbiome After SCI

Changes in the GI microbiota and/or metabolomics have been linked to evolving transformations in immune system function and infection rates in experimental SCI in animal models. A recent study involving chronic survivors of SCI show distinct GI microbiome changes in comparison to healthy controls. GI microbial metabolism of dietary components has been causally linked to various health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, infections, which is an ongoing concern for chronic SCI survivors. It is probable that alterations of GI microbiota are established acutely after SCI and could subsequently alter medical care and impact health outcomes for people living with SCI. This project is a pilot study to describe any changes in the GI and urinary tract microbiota as they appear over the first year after SCI. When available, data on factors, other than SCI, that may impact change in the gut microbiome after SCI will also be noted, including: * the level and severity of SCI, * the time since SCI, * the person's immune profile, * the antibiotic regimen of the individual and time since antibiotic administration, * the incidence and type of infections after SCI and * the person's diet or activities after SCI