Where Can I Get a Stool Transplant
Fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) are becoming a very sought-after treatment for a large range of illnesses, particularly recurrent C. diff infections. While the initial sound of a stool transplant is very off-putting for a lot of patients, after learning more about what it is, what it entails, and how it can ultimately eliminate the symptoms that plague them, many become open to exploring this treatment avenue. After all, many clinical studies show that it can potentially cure the chronic conditions that have been negatively impacting their lives for years. Let’s take a deeper look at what FMTs are, how the procedure works in relation to treating C. diff infections, and if a FMT could be an option for you.
What Is a Fecal Microbiota Transplant?
A fecal microbiota transplant is a procedure in which the stool from a healthy donor is liquified into a solution and administered to the intestinal tract of the patient for the purpose of replenishing good gut bacteria, creating a healthy microbiome. The procedure is also referred to as bacteriotherapy or stool transplantation. Essentially, it infuses the colon with the good bacteria the body needs to function optimally.
Oftentimes, antibiotic therapy can be the leading reason why those good gut microorganisms are eradicated. When a patient takes antibiotics to treat an infection, these drugs tend to destroy some of the helpful bacteria in the body in addition to the bacteria causing the infection. This allows for the bacteria C. diff to overgrow in the gut. The antibiotics that are most commonly the culprits for creating this infection include cephalosporins, the fluoroquinolones, ampicillin/amoxicillin, and clindamycin.
Donor Stool
Donor stool that is used in transplantation is typically harvested from a centralized donor bank where specimens undergo a screening process to ensure the stool is safe for transplantation. In the past, when FMT was in the beginning stages, recipients would oftentimes select a relative as a donor, given they met the standard criteria of a healthy donor. Today, screenings are much more rigorous. They typically begin with a medical history questionnaire, a physical exam, and conclude with extensive blood screens and stool testing. The most common testing, or variation of testing, outlined below is from a 2017 study in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology.
Blood screen testing includes the following:
Bacterial testing
Treponema pallidum serology
Helicobacter pylori
Viral testing
cytomegalovirus
Epstein-Barr virus
Hepatitis A virus lGm
Hepatitis B virus surface antigen
Hepatitis C virus antibody
HIV
HTLV 1 & 2 antibiotics
JC virus
Parasitic testing
Entamoeba histolytica
Strongyloides stercoralis
Schistosoma spp
Fungal testing and other blood work including CBC, CMP, LFP, ESR, and CRP.
Stool testing includes the following:
C.diff tests
Toxigenic culture
EIA
Off label toxin PCR
GDH/antigen
Bacteria testing
Enteric pathogen culture (salmonella, shigella, campylobacter)
Listeria
Shiga toxin (E. Coli)
H. Pylori enzyme immunoassay
MRSA
VRE culture
Viral testing
Adenovirus
Norovirus
Rotavirus
Parasitic testing
Ovum and parasitic microscopic examination
Microsporidia microscopic examination
Giardia fecal antigen
Cryptosporidium
Isospora and cyclospora microscopic examination
Fungal testing
FMT Modalities
There are several modalities used in administration of the donated stool. The most common in years past has been via a colonoscopy procedure. During a colonoscopy, the colonoscope is advanced through the entire colon. As the colonoscope is withdrawn, the donor stool is delivered through the colonoscopy into the patient’s colon. Today, the preferred method is steadily becoming the ingestion of a capsule, casually referred to as “poop pills.” The pill form of administration is a more favorable option for those who are interested in avoiding an invasive procedure, and studies have shown that the two methods of administration are very closely matched in efficacy.
FMT to Treat C. diff Infections
Fecal transplant with microbiota is considered safe by the FDA and effective in treating an infection called C. difficile colitis, a condition that is associated with antibiotic therapy. It is a bacteria that is commonly found in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics and nursing facilities. It is contagious and spreads by touching contaminated surfaces that are often found littered throughout the hospital room of an infected person. A study published in the Clinicians' Biosecurity News in 2010 found evidence that C. diff spores can also spread through the air. It is recommended that healthcare professionals practice excellent hygiene with frequent hand washing, and don protective clothing and facial coverings when caring for infected patients to cut down on the transmission of the bug.
C. diff is also referred to as an antibiotic-associated infection. As previously iously mentioned, when a patient is on antibiotic therapy, those antibiotics can kill off too many good bacteria that should be present in the digestive tract (for optimal health). The patients most at risk for developing this infection are over 65 years old and have chronic health conditions. C. diff infections are characterized by the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Abdominal bloating
Abdominal cramping and discomfort
Blood or pus in stool
Fever
Dehydration
Next Steps
At Purety Family Medical Clinic, our core philosophy revolves around the body’s innate ability to heal itself through proper lifestyle and nature cures. There are times when the body needs extra help. On a daily and yearly basis we are always learning more locally and internationally to find you the best road to healing.
From a holistic standpoint, we know gut health plays a powerful role in overall health. An unbalanced microbiome can cause disturbances in digestive health, as well as mental health, and that can cause a cascade of issues in and of itself. Having a healthy gut lays the groundwork for high functioning, integrative health. We are proud to offer fecal microbiota transplantation services at our clinic with the use of retention enemas or via oral capsule. If you suffer from recurrent C. diff infections, allow us to help you find freedom in your journey to health and wellness.
Sources:
https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/cbn/2010/cbnreport_05142010.html
https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/JCM.02327-16