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Updated: Nov 21, 2025

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Profound diarrhoea and weight loss in an immunocompromised patient
George Ashton1, Alan Shand2, Ian Arnott2
1Gastroenterology Unit, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK george.ashton@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk.
Abstract:
A 75-year-old man was admitted with a 3-month history of worsening diarrhoea and weight loss. He was on long-term immunosuppression following cardiac transplantation. Investigations revealed herpes simplex oesophagitis and stool samples were positive for norovirus. Treatment with acyclovir and nitazoxanide resulted in a complete resolution of symptoms. Norovirus is a common cause of infectious gastroenteritis, but immunosuppressed patients may present with chronic diarrhoea rather than an acute illness. This case highlights the importance of a low clinical threshold for testing for norovirus infection in immunocompromised patients.
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