Fecal transplant
Fecal transplant involves introducing a healthy person’s stool into a patient’s digestive tract in order to reconstruct their intestinal flora and help them fight pathogenic bacteria.
- Learn all about microbiota
- Microbiota and related conditions
- Act on your microbiota
- Publications
- About the Institute
Healthcare professionals section
Find here your dedicated section
Sources
This article is based on scientific information
Sections
About this article
The equilibrium between “good” and “bad” microbiota bacteria can be disrupted by many different phenomena. This imbalance, known as (sidenote: Dysbiosis Generally defined as an alteration in the composition and function of the microbiota caused by a combination of environmental and individual-specific factors. Levy M, Kolodziejczyk AA, Thaiss CA, et al. Dysbiosis and the immune system. Nat Rev Immunol. 2017;17(4):219-232. ) , can cause many diseases of varying severity. Fecal transplant (also called fecal bacteriotherapy) is a possible therapeutic solution.
Fecal transplant: a centuries-old solution
Fecal transplant is a very old treatment, since it was already being carried out in China in the 4th century! Its effectiveness was only recognized by European learned societies in 2013. To date, it has only been indicated in recurring C. difficile pathogenic bacteria infections, which it cures in 90% of cases.
However, the involvement of microbiota in numerous other diseases (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, diabetes, obesity, neuropsychiatric disorders, etc.) suggests that indications for fecal transplant could soon be expanded.
The procedure
Once selected, the donor prepares by taking laxatives. Their stool is then diluted in a sterile solution and filtered to be administered to the recipient. The recipient ingests a preparation similar to that used for colonoscopies in order to eliminate the disrupted microbiota.
There are several administration routes for the stool: the introduction of a probe through the nose to the stomach or duodenum, colonoscopy, enema, or, more rarely, ingestion of gastro-resistant capsules. It is up to the patient to decide with their doctor which route best suits their situation.
The only validated indication for FMT is recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. This practice may present health risks and must be performed under medical supervision, do not reproduce at home!
