Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

Clostridioides difficile infection presents a unique treatment paradox for clinicians: Antibiotics are often both its cause and its cure.

Each December, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders celebrates Constipation Awareness Month, in the hopes of boosting public awareness about constipation and providing support to those who suffer from the condition.

Despite the availability of fecal microbiota transplantation and FDA-approved live biotherapeutics for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection, some patients have turned to risky “homebrew” methods to correct their gut microbiome.

In a Healio video exclusive, Edward V. Loftus Jr., MD, highlighted benefits of newly available live biotherapeutics for Clostridioides difficile infection but noted concern for patients who don’t qualify and “might fall through the cracks.”

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — In this Healio video exclusive, Paul Feuerstadt, MD, FACG, AGAF, discusses the evolution of treatment for Clostridioides difficile infection, from antimicrobials to recently FDA-approved live biotherapeutics.

From the early days of homemade “poop shakes” blended in a backroom 15 years ago to the current world of FDA-approved live biotherapeutic products, it feels like we are at an inflection point with fecal microbiota transplantation.

Clostridioides difficile infection presents a unique treatment paradox for clinicians: Antibiotics are often both its cause and its cure.

Nearly half a million Americans are diagnosed with Clostridioides difficile infection each year. Although often treated with antibiotics, C. difficile recurrence is possible. However, recently developed therapies may change this paradigm.

Washed microbiota transplantation improved straining, hard stools and reduced stool frequency among patients with refractory functional constipation, with greater efficacy reported with additional courses of treatment.

An FDA-approved oral fecal microbiota therapeutic reduces the risk for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection in high-risk patients compared with placebo, regardless of demographics or baseline risk factors, researchers reported.