If microbial ecosystem therapy can change your life, what's the problem?. (10th April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ettinger, Grace; Burton, Jeremy P.; Reid, Gregor
• Is Part Of: BioEssays. Volume 35:Number 6(2013:Jun.)
• Page Start: 508
• Page End: 512
• Publication Date: 2013-04-10
• Subjects: fecal -- microbial -- probiotics -- regulatory -- stool -- substitute -- transplantation; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1002/bies.201300015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-9247

Abstract

Abstract: The increased incidence of morbidity and mortality due to Clostridium difficile infection, had led to the emergence of fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) as a highly successful treatment. From this, a 32 strain stool substitute has been derived, and successfully tested in a pilot human study. These approaches could revolutionize not only medical care of infectious diseases, but potentially many other conditions linked to the human microbiome. But a second revolution may be needed in order for regulatory agencies, society and medical practitioners to accept and utilize these interventions, monitor their long term effects, have a degree of control over their use, or at a minimum provide guidelines for donors and recipients. Abstract : If a simple replacement of your gut microbiota by someone else's could improve your health and ability to function, would you do it? How would you select the donor and would the "authorities" let you perform the transplant? The age of the microbiome is here, but is society ready?