Work

Pros and cons: Is faecal microbiota transplantation a safe and efficient treatment option for gut dysbiosis?

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is well established as an effective treatment for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), restoring gut microbiome diversity and function. The utility of FMT is currently being explored in relation to other immune-mediated pathologies, such as allergic disease, inflammatory bowel diseases and autoimmune diseases. Clinical trials in these areas are ongoing, and the altered gut microbiota (dysbiosis) that is often observed in these pathologies provides a rationale for the application of FMT to restore the microbiome. However, there is controversy on the risk-benefit ratio as it relates to the use of FMTs in pathologies other than CDI. In this Pro and Con article, we present the arguments for and against the use of FMT in immune-mediated pathologies, such as allergic disease. We further identify research gaps and recommend how these may be addressed in future studies.

Source: Allergy

DOI: 10.1111/all.14750

Authors: Tom Marrs, Jens Walter

Institutions: King's College London, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Evelina London Children's Healthcare, University College Cork, APC Microbiome Institute

Language: English

Topic: Gut microbiota and health

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150