HEALTH
By Befitbu Health Desk May 22, 2024
Purpose
Stool transplants, or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), aim to restore a healthy gut microbiome by transferring stool from a healthy donor to a patient's gastrointestinal tract.
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Primary Application
They are primarily used to treat recurrent Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections, which often resist antibiotics and cause severe diarrhea and colitis.
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Procedure
Donor stool undergoes rigorous screening for pathogens before being processed into a liquid form and administered to the patient via colonoscopy, endoscopy, enema, or oral capsules.
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Donor Selection
Donors undergo extensive screening for infectious diseases and gastrointestinal disorders to ensure the safety and efficacy of the transplant.
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Effectiveness
FMT has a high success rate, with studies showing up to 90% effectiveness in resolving symptoms of recurrent C. difficile infections, often after just one treatment.
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Expanding Applications
Research explores FMT's potential for treating conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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Microbiome Restoration
FMT works by reinstating diversity and balance to the gut microbiota, vital for digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being.
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Potential Risks
Although generally safe, risks include infection, allergic reactions, and procedure-related complications. Long-term safety remains under investigation.
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Regulatory Status
The FDA views FMT as an investigational treatment, primarily approved for refractory C. difficile infections. Ongoing research aims to expand its approved uses.
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Future Prospects
Advances in microbiome science may lead to more targeted microbial therapies, potentially replacing donor stool with lab-cultivated microbial communities tailored to individual needs.
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