Capsules are ‘as effective’ for faecal transplant delivery

By Nathan Gray

- Last updated on GMT

The use of capsules simplifies the procedure immensely, potentially making it accessible to a greater population, say researchers.
The use of capsules simplifies the procedure immensely, potentially making it accessible to a greater population, say researchers.

Related tags Clostridium difficile

The use of non-invasive oral capsules is just as effective as invasive procedures for the delivery of faecal transplants, say researchers.

The non-invasive method may be a promising approach for battlingClostridium difficile​ (C. difficile​) infection. Indeed, the use of oral capsules for faecal transplant appears to be as effective as via colonoscopy or through a nasogastric tube, said researchers writing in JAMA​.

In their report, investigators from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) report that oral administration of the therapy called faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) in acid-resistant capsules was as successful as more invasive methods in eliminating recurrent diarrhoea caused by C. difficile​.

"Numerous reports have shown that FMT is effective in treating active C. difficile infection and preventing recurrences in patients whose infections failed to respond to standard treatments,"​ said Ilan Youngster. "The procedures that have been used before – colonoscopies, nasogastric tubes, even enemas – all have potential risks and discomforts for patients. The use of capsules simplifies the procedure immensely, potentially making it accessible to a greater population."

Source: JAMA
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2014.13875

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