Fecal microbial therapy: promises and pitfalls

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014 Aug;59(2):157-61. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000000415.

Abstract

A rapidly expanding range of diverse human diseases is now associated with perturbations to the gastrointestinal microbiome. Fecal microbial transplant (FMT) has been used with high rates of efficacy to treat gastrointestinal microbiome perturbation associated with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection, and is now being considered for other indications. Here we discuss the gut microbiome, review published and ongoing studies using FMT as a treatment modality for human disease, consider the regulatory aspects of FMT, and outline some factors that should be considered in patients in whom this therapeutic strategy is being contemplated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Therapy*
  • Clostridioides difficile
  • Clostridium Infections / microbiology
  • Clostridium Infections / therapy*
  • Dysbiosis / therapy*
  • Feces / microbiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / microbiology
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / therapy*