The dirty aspects of fecal microbiota transplantation: a review of its adverse effects and complications

Abstract

Fecal microbiota transplantation is becoming a growing therapy for a variety of indications, including recurrent or refractory Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), as well as many other gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal diseases. In fact, fecal microbiota transplantation is now strongly recommended as the treatment of choice for multiple recurrences of CDI, given its strong efficacy and a favorable short-term side effect profile. As the application of this therapy expands, awareness of its adverse events has also developed. The purpose of this review is to bring to light the side effects and complications associated with fecal microbiota transplantation, with an emphasis on findings from recently published studies.