Faecal microbiota transplant for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection

3.1 Faecal microbiota transplants aim to restore a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut of people who have recurrent Clostridium difficile infections by introducing enteric bacteria from the faeces of healthy donors.

3.2 Before the procedure, donors (who can be family members or unrelated) are screened for enteric bacterial pathogens, viruses and parasites. Donor faeces are taken and diluted with water, saline or another liquid such as milk or yogurt, and subsequently strained to remove large particles. The resulting suspension is introduced into the recipient's gut via a nasogastric tube, nasoduodenal tube, rectal enema or via the biopsy channel of a colonoscope. Recipients may receive a bowel lavage before transplantation, in order to reduce the C. difficile load in the intestines.