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Fecal microbiota transplantation: techniques, applications, and issues

Thomas Julius Borody1, Jordana Campbell

  • 1Centre for Digestive Diseases, Level 1, 229 Great North Road, Five Dock, New South Wales 2046, Australia.

Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
|October 30, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising treatment for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and may benefit other conditions. This review explores FMT history, applications, and future potential.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a significant public health concern, causing substantial mortality.
  • The success of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating CDI has spurred interest in its broader therapeutic potential.
  • The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a critical 'virtual organ' influencing host health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).
  • To review the history, current applications, and future directions of FMT.
  • To discuss the rationale and emerging uses of FMT beyond Clostridium difficile infection.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of FMT publications, focusing on Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and other conditions.
  • Analysis of the concept of the gut microbiota as a functional entity.
  • Examination of current and potential future FMT procedures.

Main Results:

  • FMT has demonstrated high success rates in managing Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).
  • The gut microbiota's role as a 'virtual organ' provides a framework for understanding FMT's efficacy.
  • Several emerging applications and future procedural advancements for FMT are identified.

Conclusions:

  • Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a well-established treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).
  • The understanding of the gut microbiota supports the expansion of FMT to other diseases.
  • FMT holds significant promise for future therapeutic interventions, with ongoing research into its application and delivery methods.

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