Intestinal microbiota transplant - current state of knowledge

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is gaining attention for its therapeutic potential.
• FMT is an approved treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile colitis.
• Advanced DNA methods reveal microbiome's role in health and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of the human microbiome.
• To explore the link between microbiome disturbances and various diseases.
• To highlight the need for further clinical trials on FMT.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing sophisticated molecular DNA identification techniques.
• Assessing human microbiome diversity, variability, and richness.
• Analyzing metabolic and immunologic functions of the microbiome.

Main Results:

• Microbiome alterations are associated with inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Pathological changes include altered short-chain fatty acid production and inflammatory cascade components.
• Published clinical results for FMT are encouraging.

Conclusions:

• The metabolic and immunologic functions of the microbiome are increasingly understood.
• FMT holds promise beyond C. difficile colitis.
• There is a significant need for more controlled FMT clinical trials.