Fecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
By systematic review, we assessed the impact of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for the treatment of Clostridium difficile (CD)-associated diarrhea.


BACKGROUND
Fecal microbiota microbiota transplantation from a healthy donor into an individual with CD infection (CDI) can resolve symptoms.


METHODS
We conducted systematic searches in PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The last search was run on February 8, 2013. The following Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords were used alone or in combination: Clostridium difficile; Clostridium infection; pseudomembranous colitis; feces; stools; fecal suspension; fecal transplantation; fecal transfer; fecal infusion; microbiota; bacteriotherapy; enema; nasogastric tube; colonoscopy; gastroscopy; fecal donation; donor. A critical appraisal of the clinical research evidence on the effectiveness and safety of FMT for the treatment of patients with CD-associated diarrhea was made.


RESULTS
Twenty full-text case series, 15 case reports, and 1 randomized controlled study were included for the final analysis. Almost all patients treated with donors' fecal infusion experienced recurrent episodes of CD-associated diarrhea despite standard antibiotic treatment. Of a total of 536 patients treated, 467 (87%) experienced resolution of diarrhea. Diarrhea resolution rates varied according to the site of infusion: 81% in the stomach; 86% in the duodenum/jejunum; 93% in the cecum/ascending colon; and 84% in the distal colon. No severe adverse events were reported with the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
FMT seems efficacious and safe for the treatment of recurrent CDI. Hospitals should encourage the development of fecal transplantation programs to improve therapy of local patients.
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, A. Gemelly University Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Giovanni
G
Cammarota
Gianluca
G
Ianiro
Antonio
A
Gasbarrini
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016360:Clostridioides difficile / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D064307:Microbiota; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents