Author Interviews, C. difficile / 21.11.2016
Fecal Microbiota Transfer Effective in Over 80% of Recurrent C. Diff Infection
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Yvette van Beurden
PhD student Gastroenterology & Hepatology / Medical Microbiology & Infection Control
VU University medical center
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: The use of fecal microbiota transfer (FMT), which is defined as the transfer of intestinal microbiota from healthy donors to patients, has gained momentum across the globe, since it was established as a highly effective method for treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), with cure rates around 85%. However, worldwide implementation of FMT is currently limited by a lack of uniform guidelines, concerns about safety, and remaining uncertainty of long-term side effects.
In our study, we reported the long-term follow up of patients treated with FMT for recurrent CDI.
With a primary cure rate of 82%, our study supports the currently available evidence that fecal microbiota transfer is a very effective treatment for recurrent CDI. Importantly, a first post-FMT recurrence of CDI can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
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