[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/fecal-matter-transplant\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/fecal-matter-transplant\/","headline":"What Is Fecal Matter Transplant?","name":"What Is Fecal Matter Transplant?","description":"During a fecal transplant, stool is provided from a healthy donor and is processed for transplantation into the colon of an infected patient.","datePublished":"2016-10-12","dateModified":"2023-10-24","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/digestive-disorders-regions","name":"Digestive Disorders","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/digestive-disorders-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/digestive-disorders\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/102016_FECALMATTER.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/102016_FECALMATTER.jpg","height":325,"width":751},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/fecal-matter-transplant\/","about":["Family Health"],"wordCount":562,"keywords":["fecal matter","serious bacterial infection","transplantation"],"articleBody":"Over the past few years,\u202ffecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), or stool transplantation, has become an important treatment option for those suffering with Clostridium difficile infection.\u00a0And while this procedure may sound unusual, the idea of FMT has been around for centuries. Fecal transplants may actually cure some infectious diseases.\u00a0\u201cFecal transplantation can be a life-saving option for patients in need,\u201d said\u202fMarc Schwartz, MD, assistant professor of medicine and fecal transplantation expert in the\u202fUniversity of Pittsburgh Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.\u00a0About Clostridium Difficile\u00a0Clostridium difficile\u202f(also known as C difficile or C diff), is a serious bacterial infection that can cause swelling and inflammation in the colon or large intestine.\u00a0C diff is contagious and most commonly affects people who are elderly, in the hospital, chronically ill, or taking antibiotics. C diff is often passed from person to person, when an infected person, or someone in contact with an infected person, does not\u202fwash their hands\u202fwith soap and water. The serious symptoms of C diff can be very painful and include:\u00a0Diarrhea\u00a0Abdominal cramps\u00a0Fever\u00a0Dehydration\u00a0C diff can be treated with\u202fantibiotics\u202fbut when the infection reoccurs, a fecal transplant may be needed.\u00a0How Does Fecal Microbiota Transplant Work?\u00a0During a fecal transplant, stool is provided from a healthy donor and is processed for transplantation into the colon of an infected patient. This is most commonly done through\u202fcolonoscopy\u202for upper endoscopy.\u00a0During this procedure, a colonoscope (through the rectum), endoscope (through the mouth), or feeding tube (through the mouth) is inserted into the intestine, allowing the healthy donor stool to be inserted. From there, the healthy bacteria from the donor\u2019s stool will fight and eliminate the C diff infection.\u00a0Is Fecal Microbiota Transplant Effective?\u00a0The study of fecal transplants is ongoing, but the data is very encouraging. Everyone is different and so are the biomes of our guts. Therefore, not all treatments will be equally as effective for everyone, and particular digestive diseases affecting the gut biome such as Crohn\u2019s disease or ulcerative colitis can alter the effectiveness of such treatments. However, a 2021 study found that of the 259 participants, 200 were cured in a one month window undergoing only one FMT, about 90% effectiveness. This study was conducted on individuals with Clostridioides difficile infections or CDIs. While more research will need to be conducted before conclusions about other diseases affecting the gut microbiome, these outstanding results are very encouraging for future understandings.\u00a0Who Can Be a Fecal Transplant Donor?\u00a0In order to start the process of a stool transplant, a healthy donor is needed. Friends and family members are common donors, but any healthy person\u2019s stool may be used. All donors must go through testing to be sure that further infection is not spread to the person receiving the transplant.\u00a0Potential donors should not:\u00a0Have taken antibiotics for three months prior to the transplant.\u00a0Have a history of\u202finflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea,\u202fcolon cancer, or other chronic gastrointestinal diseases.Have any chronic medical problems.Have a history of drug use.\u00a0Recovery from Fecal Matter Transplant\u00a0After a fecal matter transplant, the recipient will need a caregiver to drive them home. They may continue their typical activities, as tolerated. Learn more by visiting the\u202fUPMC Digestive Health Care\u202fwebsite.\u00a0  Editor's Note: This article was originally published on October 12, 2016, and was last reviewed on October 24, 2023."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/10\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Is Fecal Matter Transplant?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/fecal-matter-transplant\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]