Fecal Microbiota Transplant: Could Your Stool Save a Life?

• Explain the pathophysiology of Clostridium difficile infection.
• Explain the current treatment for Clostridium difficile infections.
• Introduce and explore a new and viable treatment option for Clostridium difficile.
• Explain why it is important to find a new treatment for Clostridium difficile.

The purpose of this article is to introduce health care providers to fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), a fairly new and promising option for the treatment of persistent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). In this study we discuss CDI in general and the problems with the current treatments. We address the newly available FMT treatment approach, and describe its process, donor selection, costs, and overall advantages and disadvantages. It is important for providers to be aware of this treatment option for patients with persistent CDI.