Encapsulation protocol for fecal microbiota transplantation

Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2024 Jun 26:14:1424376. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1424376. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Introduction: Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) continue to pose a challenge for clinicians. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective treatment option in CDI. Furthermore, recent and ongoing studies suggest potential benefits of FMT in other diseases as well.

Methods: We would like to present a novel protocol for encapsulation of lyophilized fecal material. Our method provides with better compliance as well as improved flexibility, storage and safety.

Results: FMT was conducted in 28 patients with an overall success rate of 82,14% using apsules containing lyophilized stool. 16 of patients were given capsules with lessened bacteria counts. The success rate in this group was 93,75%.

Discussion: The results highlight the still unanswered questions about the mechanism of action and contribute to a wider use of FMT in the clinical praxis and in research.

Keywords: Clostridioides difficile; Clostridium difficile infection; FMT; capsule; lyophilizate; protocol.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Clostridioides difficile
  • Clostridium Infections* / microbiology
  • Clostridium Infections* / therapy
  • Fecal Microbiota Transplantation* / methods
  • Feces* / microbiology
  • Female
  • Freeze Drying
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The publication was funded by the University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary.