What Disease is Currently Treated with Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)?
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is primarily used to treat persistent infections with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff).
Understanding Persistent C. diff Infections
Clostridioides difficile is a bacterium that can cause severe inflammation of the colon, leading to symptoms like debilitating diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. While initial C. diff infections often respond to antibiotics, a significant challenge arises when the infection becomes recurrent or persistent. This means the infection keeps coming back, sometimes multiple times, even after standard antibiotic treatments. These recurring episodes can severely impact a patient's health and quality of life, often requiring more aggressive interventions.
How FMT Works for C. diff
FMT offers a highly effective solution for recurrent C. diff by restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The procedure works by:
- Sourcing Healthy Microbiota: Healthy bacteria (microbiota) are obtained from the feces of a carefully screened donor. Donor screening is a critical step, ensuring the donor is free from any infectious diseases or other harmful pathogens.
- Transfer to Recipient: This donor microbiota is then transferred into the colon of the recipient who is suffering from the persistent C. diff infection. The transfer can be done through various methods, such as a colonoscopy, enema, or even via oral capsules containing freeze-dried material.
- Restoring Gut Balance: The primary goal is to re-establish a diverse and robust community of healthy microorganisms in the recipient's gut. This restored microbial ecosystem helps to suppress the overgrowth of C. diff, effectively "crowding out" the harmful bacteria and preventing future recurrences. By normalizing the gut flora, FMT creates an environment where C. diff can no longer thrive and cause disease.
FMT has demonstrated significant success rates in treating recurrent C. diff, providing a crucial therapeutic option for patients who have not found relief with conventional antibiotic therapies.
