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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
07:06
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection
Salam P Bachour1, Ari Grinspan1
1The Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) effectively treats recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) by restoring gut health. High resolution rates of 85-90% are achieved, demonstrating FMT
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) poses a significant clinical challenge.
- Standard antibiotic therapies often lead to incomplete resolution and further recurrence.
- Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a promising alternative therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current evidence on FMT for rCDI.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and delivery methods of FMT.
- To evaluate FMT outcomes in diverse patient populations, including high-risk individuals.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and synthesis of existing literature.
- Analysis of randomized controlled trials and real-world data.
- Examination of clinical efficacy, safety, and failure predictors.
Main Results:
- FMT significantly increases gut microbial diversity and restores bile acid metabolism.
- Clinical resolution rates for rCDI range from 85% to 90% with FMT.
- Multiple FMT administrations correlate with higher cure rates.
- FMT demonstrates safety and efficacy in special and high-risk populations.
Conclusions:
- FMT is a highly effective and safe therapeutic option for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection.
- Restoration of gut microbiota is a key mechanism underlying FMT success.
- Further research should focus on optimizing FMT protocols and understanding failure predictors.
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