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Updated: Apr 7, 2026
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Initial experience with fecal microbiota transplantation in Clostridium difficile infection - transplant protocol and
Background And Aims:
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) constitutes an important cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Recurrence after first-line treatment with antibiotics is high and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may be effective for refractory and recurrent CDI. This series aims to describe the efficacy of FMT in the treatment of refractory and recurrent CDI.
Methods:
A prospectively recorded single-centre case series of patients with persistent or recurrent CDI treated with FMT between June 2014 and March 2015 was analyzed. Primary and secondary outcomes were defined as resolution of diarrhea without recurrence of CDI within 2 months after one or more FMT, respectively. A descriptive analysis was performed.
Results:
8 FMT were performed in 6 patients, 3 with refractory CDI and 3 with recurrent CDI. The median age of recipients was 71 years and 66.7% were women. One FMT was delivered through colonoscopy and the remaining 87.5% through esophagogastroduodenoscopy. One upper FMT was excluded due to recurrence of CDI after antibiotic exposure for a respiratory infection. The overall cure rate of FMT was total with lower route and 83.3% with upper route. Primary cure rate was achieved in 83.3% of patients and secondary cure rate was achieved in all patients. Median time to resolution of diarrhea after FMT was 1 day and no complications were reported during follow-up.
Conclusion:
FMT appears to constitute a safe and effective approach in the management of refractory and recurrent CDI. Difference between primary and secondary cure rates may result of insufficient restoration of intestinal microbiota with a single FMT.
Insights
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) effectively treats recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). This study found high cure rates with FMT, offering a safe option for patients with persistent or recurring CDI.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a significant cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- High recurrence rates of CDI after antibiotic treatment necessitate alternative therapies.
- Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) shows promise for refractory and recurrent CDI cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of FMT in treating patients with refractory or recurrent CDI.
- To assess the safety and cure rates associated with FMT for CDI management.
Main Methods:
- A single-center case series analyzed patients with persistent or recurrent CDI treated with FMT from June 2014 to March 2015.
- Outcomes included diarrhea resolution and absence of CDI recurrence within two months post-FMT.
- FMT was administered via colonoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
Main Results:
- Six patients underwent eight FMT procedures for refractory or recurrent CDI.
- The overall cure rate was 100% with lower-route FMT and 83.3% with upper-route FMT.
- Primary cure was achieved in 83.3% of patients, with all patients achieving secondary cure; no complications were reported.
Conclusions:
- FMT is a safe and effective treatment for refractory and recurrent CDI.
- The observed differences in cure rates may relate to the adequacy of intestinal microbiota restoration with a single FMT session.
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