Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

In this review, we have summarized the latest evidence, indications, and methods of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and analyzed the prospects and therapeutic potentials of this procedure. In recent years, FMT has attracted great interest, especially due to the global Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). FMT is now recommended as alternative therapy for recurrent CDI when standard treatment with antibiotics fails. It involves putting suspended biomaterial with intestinal microorganisms of a healthy donor into the intestine of a patient. Although the exact mechanism of action is not entirely clear, it is believed to restore the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota in diseased patients. The efficacy varies depending on the route of administration, quality and volume of donor biomaterial, and treatment before the procedure.

Keywords

• fecal microbiota transplantation
• alternative therapy
• recurrent clostridium difficile infection