Faecal microbiota transplant and the benefi t of a national faecal microbiota bank in South Africa

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota consists of a diversity of microorganisms which contribute to gut homeostasis, metabolism and immune function. Alterations in the intestinal microbial composition have been implicated in different diseases, including Clostridioides difficile (previously known as Clostridium difficile) infection, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel disease1. Faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) refers to the procedure in which allogeneic stool is transferred from a healthy donor to the gastrointestinal tract of a recipient with the aim of restoring the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome.