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Faecal microbiota transplant (FMT)

21st August, 2023
Faecal microbiota transplant - What exactly is FMT?

FMT stands for faecal microbiota transplantation. This is when poo from a healthy person is transplanted into the gut of someone else. Sounds crazy, but it could be lifesaving.  

Our gut contains trillions of living microbes, what we like to call the gut microbiota. You may have heard that the gut microbiota is closely linked to many different diseases. Well, scientists are now trying to treat these diseases using the gut microbiota from healthy people.

What is FMT used for?

Currently, the only approved use of FMT is for treating Clostridium difficile infection. C diff is a nasty bacteria that can cause severe, and in some cases lethal, diarrhoea. 

C diff can be very resistant to antibiotics, which leaves just one other treatment option – FMT.  

Fortunately, FMT has an excellent success rate for treating C diff. Around 9 in 10 people with antibiotic resistant C diff are successfully cured.

The future of FMT…

FMT is currently being researched for its benefits in lots of other areas. These include gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, as well as metabolic disorders and even cancer. There’s even some evidence for it’s benefits to those with autism spectrum disorder.

Want to learn more about our current trial in IBS with constipation? Learn more  

Want to know more about the potential applications of FMT?

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