Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the transfer of stool from a healthy donor into the colon of a patient whose disease is a result of an altered microbiome, with the goal of restoring the normal microbiota and thus curing the disease. The most effective and well-studied indication for FMT is recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. At this time, there is insufficient evidence to recommend FMT for other gastrointestinal diseases, but studies are under way. There is also insufficient evidence to recommend FMT for nongastrointestinal diseases at this time. The field is rapidly emerging.
Key points
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Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is effective for treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) when standard therapy has failed.
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FMT may have a role in some patients with severe and complicated CDI.
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The following factors are important in selecting patients for FMT:
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Appropriate indications.
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Appropriate donor selection.
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Appropriate method of administering FMT.
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Appropriate follow-up.
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Related posts:
From Culture to High-Throughput Sequencing and Beyond
Impact of Antibiotics on Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
Diet and the Microbiome
The Esophageal and Gastric Microbiome in Health and Disease
The Gut Microbiota in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
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