Fecal microbiota transplantation: Safe, simple, and effective

Abstract

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) re-emerged over the last decade, primarily in response to the escalating problem of health-care-associated Clostridium difficile (CD) infection (CDI). Increasing virulence and antibiotic resistance of CD prompted intensified efforts to broaden therapeutic options for this emerging health threat. It is well established that homeostasis of intestinal flora (or microbiota) is critical to human well-being. Introduction and misuse of various health-care related interventions, including antibiotics and gastric acid-reducing agents, contributed to the current state of crisis. Common therapeutic options for CDI include antibiotics, probiotics, and surgery. More recently, there has been as shift toward the utilization of FMT as a second-line option for severe/complicated CDI. The aim of this review is to provide health-care professionals with a concise summary of management options for CDI, with special focus on FMT and its indications, contraindications, and implementation experiences. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge, Patient care and procedural skills, Systems-based practice.