Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for C. difficile infection, just say 'No'

Xing Tan; Stuart Johnson

doi:10.1016/j.anaerobe.2019.102092

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for C. difficile infection, just say 'No'

Anaerobe. 2019 Dec:60:102092. doi: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2019.102092. Epub 2019 Aug 28.

Authors

Xing Tan¹, Stuart Johnson²

Affiliations

¹ University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
² Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA; Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA. Electronic address: stuart.johnson2@va.gov.

PMID: 31472233
DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2019.102092

Abstract

Despite lack of regulatory approval, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is widely performed to manage C. difficile infection (CDI), particularly recurrent CDI. Herein, we critically review the available randomized controlled trials of FMT and address the following questions: Is FMT better than drug management of recurrent CDI?; Is FMT treatment per se or adjunctive treatment to antibiotics for CDI?; and, Is FMT safe? Finally, we elaborate non-FMT options for the management of recurrent CDI. Although promising, FMT should be reserved for patients who have failed appropriate antibiotic management of recurrent CDI.

Keywords: Clostridioides difficile; Clostridium difficile; Fecal microbiota transplant; Recurrence.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
Clostridioides difficile / physiology*
Clostridium Infections / microbiology*
Clostridium Infections / therapy*
Disease Management
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation* / adverse effects
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation* / methods
Humans
Recurrence
Treatment Outcome

Substances

Anti-Bacterial Agents