Akkermansia muciniphila enhances washed microbiota transplantation in the treatment of epilepsy.
Chin Med J (Engl)Jul 20, 2026 (epub)
Qianqian Li, Ruiqiao He, Xianglu Wang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This prospective, single-center cohort study evaluated the efficacy and safety of washed microbiota transplantation (WMT) in 21 patients with epilepsy, primarily those with refractory cases. The study found a clinical response rate of 43% at one month post-WMT, with higher rates observed in patients receiving a second maintenance WMT course at three months.
Key findings
- Clinical response rates were 43% at one month, 57% at three months, and 38% at six months post-WMT.
- A second maintenance WMT course at three months was associated with a significantly higher response rate at six months (OR >999).
- WMT significantly increased Akkermansia muciniphila levels in responders (P = 0.038).
- Higher baseline A. muciniphila abundance correlated with improved clinical outcomes (Z = 3.28, P = 0.001).
Why it matters
The study highlights the potential of microbiome-based therapies in managing refractory epilepsy, suggesting that enhancing specific gut bacteria may improve treatment outcomes for patients who do not respond to conventional therapies.