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Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Bacteriotherapy for chronic relapsing Clostridium difficile diarrhoea in six patients
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Statens Seruminstitut, Denmark.
Lancet (London, England)
|May 27, 1989
Summary
Restoring beneficial gut bacteria, specifically Bacteroides species, can effectively treat chronic diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile. This fecal microbiota transplantation approach re-establishes a healthy gut microbiome, preventing recurrent C. difficile infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic relapsing diarrhea is often caused by Clostridium difficile infection.
- The role of specific gut bacteria in preventing C. difficile recurrence is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in treating chronic relapsing Clostridium difficile diarrhea.
- To identify the specific bacterial species involved in the therapeutic effect.
Main Methods:
- Rectal instillation of homologous feces or a defined bacterial mixture in six patients.
- Stool analysis for Clostridium difficile, its toxin, and bacterial composition before and after treatment.
- In-vitro studies to assess bacterial interactions.
Main Results:
- Treatment with a bacterial mixture led to the prompt elimination of C. difficile and its toxin.
- Successful colonization by Bacteroides species was observed post-treatment.
- In-vitro tests showed inhibitory effects of certain bacteria on C. difficile growth.
Conclusions:
- The absence of Bacteroides species may predispose individuals to chronic relapsing C. difficile diarrhea.
- Restoration of Bacteroides species through fecal microbiota transplantation can prevent C. difficile colonization and recurrence.
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