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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Struggling with recurrent Clostridium difficile infections: is donor faeces the solution?
E van Nood1, P Speelman, E J Kuijper
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. e.vannood@amc.nl
Summary
Recurrent Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) are a growing problem. Fecal infusions from healthy donors show promise for treating recurrent CDI when standard therapies fail, as explored in the FECAL trial.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Recurrent Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) present a significant clinical challenge, with standard treatments often failing.
- Limited effective therapeutic options exist for patients experiencing repeated CDI episodes.
- Current guidelines lack robust evidence-based strategies for managing recurrent CDI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for recurrent CDI.
- To introduce the ongoing FECAL trial investigating FMT for recurrent CDI.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of case series and reports on fecal infusions for recurrent CDI.
- Inclusion of data from over 150 patients treated with donor feces via various administration routes.
- Description of the FECAL trial design and patient recruitment status.
Main Results:
- Historical case reports indicate successful treatment of recurrent CDI using donor fecal infusions.
- Restoration of intestinal flora is the presumed mechanism of action for fecal microbiota transplantation.
- Over 150 patients have received fecal infusions, demonstrating a potential therapeutic avenue.
Conclusions:
- Fecal microbiota transplantation is a historically documented and potentially effective treatment for recurrent CDI.
- Further research, such as the FECAL trial, is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines.
- Restoring gut microbiota through fecal infusions offers a promising alternative for refractory CDI cases.
