Endoscopic Delivery of Fecal Biotherapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

The intestinal microbiome plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We are able to use the microbiome as a therapeutic target with use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for cure of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. Given our ability to target the dysbiotic state with FMT, its use as therapy in IBD has tremendous potential. This overview discusses the practical considerations of FMT therapy with respect to our current understanding of safety and efficacy in IBD, screening for donors and recipients, specimen handling and storage, methods of delivery, and regulatory considerations.

Keywords: Dysbiosis; Fecal Microbial Transplant (FMT); Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD); Microbiome; Recurrent Clostridium Difficile Infection (RCDI).