Fecal microbiota transplantation: techniques, applications, and issues

Abstract

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has gained widespread recognition in light of the recent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) epidemic, responsible for almost 110,000 deaths per year. The procedure's success rate has caused experts to reflect on what other conditions may benefit. This article provides an overview of (1) description and history of FMT, (2) FMT publications in CDI, (3) the concept of the gut microbiota as a virtual organ, (4) rationale for FMT use, (5) FMT use in inflammatory bowel disease, (6) emerging FMT applications, (7) how FMT is currently performed, and (8) how FMT may be performed in the future.