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What is a faecal transplant?

Apr 7, 2025

Discover the intriguing world of faecal transplants, a procedure that transfers stool from healthy donors to restore gut health. Learn how this avant-garde treatment fights infections like Clostridium difficile and its potential benefits for conditions ranging from irritable bowel syndrome to Alzheimer’s. Delve into the fascinating science behind the procedure, including possible risks and the innovative research that continues to unfold. In a matter of minutes, you’ll get a comprehensive understanding of this groundbreaking therapy!

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Quick takeaways

Fecal transplants restore gut bacteria balance and have shown over 90% success rates for treating recurrent C. difficile infections.

The procedure can be performed through colonoscopy, while ongoing research is exploring its potential for various health conditions beyond gut issues.

Deep dives

Understanding Fecal Transplant

Fecal transplant, or fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), involves transferring stool from a healthy donor to a patient to restore gut bacteria balance. This procedure can be beneficial for various health issues, including recurrent Clostridium difficile infections that cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms and can be life-threatening. FMT has demonstrated a cure rate exceeding 90% for C. diff infections, significantly outperforming traditional antibiotic treatments, which have a success rate of only about 30%. The process helps reintroduce healthy bacteria into the colon, aiding in digestion and overall health.

Understanding Faecal Transplants and Their Applications

4min

Faecal transplant, also known as faecal microbiota transplantation or FMT, is the transfer of stool from a healthy donor to a patient with a disease.

The idea is to restore the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can be disrupted by factors such as antibiotics, diet, or infection but it could potentially help with a range of problems from irritable bowel syndrome to Alzheimer’s.

Why is faecal transplant used? How does faecal transplant work? How is faecal transplant performed? What are the risks of faecal transplant? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast: 10/8/2023

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