ABSTRACT
The intestinal microbiota is made up of billions of microorganisms that coexist in an organised ecosystem, where strict and facultative anaerobic bacteria predominate. The alteration or imbalance of these microorganisms, known as dysbiosis, can be associated with both gastrointestinal and extraintestinal diseases. Based on a review of the literature, the intestinal microbiota is described in its state of health, the changes associated with some gastrointestinal diseases and the potential role that faecal microbiota transplantation has in the reestablishment of an altered ecosystem. Undoubtedly, the information revealed makes us reflect on the indication of faecal microbiota transplantation in various pathologies of intestinal origin. However, to ensure the efficacy and safety of this therapy, more studies are needed to obtain more evidence.
ABSTRACT
In the fourth century, during the Chinese Dong Jin dynasty, the doctor Ge Hong described good results after the oral administration of a suspension prepared from human faeces in patients with severe diarrhoea or food poisoning. Faecal microbiota transplantation has been used for five years in order to treat different diseases in addition to the severe diarrhoea caused by Clostridium difficile1. This paper aims to confirm that intestinal microbiota transplantation succeeds in reducing the negative impact of diseases such as severe diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, allergies, metabolic syndrome and others and that it is not only indicated for severe diarrhoea caused by C. difficile. This preliminary study included six patients who underwent faecal microbiota transplantation, aged 83, 76, 66, 37 and 36 years (four men and two women). An improvement in symptoms of 70% was observed. The methodology and criteria to be followed with donors are described and the results are listed in three tables. The methodology followed for the microbiota transplant is the same as that reported by other researchers for the treatment of C. difficile diarrhoea and other diseases. The discussion addresses the issues raised in other parts of the world in handling different pathologic entities, as well as genetic advances. The conclusions show encouraging results.