Effects of fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics on the gut microbiome in antibiotic-treated septic patients: A pilot randomized controlled trial.
Yuanzhuo Chen, Jian Zhao, Jiangman Zhao et al.
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In 30 seconds
This pilot randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics on gut microbiome restoration in 40 antibiotic-treated septic patients. FMT significantly improved microbial diversity, with a Chao1 index of p = 0.0125 at two weeks, while probiotics did not show similar benefits. The study highlights the potential of FMT in managing gut dysbiosis in critically ill patients.
Key findings
- FMT significantly mitigated antibiotic-induced reductions in microbial diversity.
- At two weeks, the FMT group had higher alpha-diversity (Chao1 index, p = 0.0125) compared to Control and Probiotics groups.
- FMT increased beneficial Bacteroides abundance and reduced Enterobacteriaceae.
- FMT significantly lowered the pathogenic potential of gut microbiota (p = 0.021).
Why it matters
Restoring gut microbiota in critically ill patients receiving antibiotics may improve clinical outcomes. This study suggests that FMT could be a viable intervention to counteract gut dysbiosis and its associated complications in septic patients.