BackgroundMultidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are a growing global threat, especially in healthcare facilities. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective prevention strategy for... Show moreBackgroundMultidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are a growing global threat, especially in healthcare facilities. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective prevention strategy for recurrences of Clostridioides difficile infections and can also be useful for other microbiota-related diseases.MethodsWe study the effect of FMT in patients with multiple recurrent C. difficile infections on colonisation with MDR bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) on the short (3 weeks) and long term (1–3 years), combining culture methods and faecal metagenomics.ResultsBased on MDR culture (n = 87 patients), we notice a decrease of 11.5% in the colonisation rate of MDR bacteria after FMT (20/87 before FMT = 23%, 10/87 3 weeks after FMT). Metagenomic sequencing of patient stool samples (n = 63) shows a reduction in relative abundances of ARGs in faeces, while the number of different resistance genes in patients remained higher compared to stools of their corresponding healthy donors (n = 11). Furthermore, plasmid predictions in metagenomic data indicate that patients harboured increased levels of resistance plasmids, which appear unaffected by FMT. In the long term (n = 22 patients), the recipients’ resistomes are still donor-like, suggesting the effect of FMT may last for years.ConclusionsTaken together, we hypothesise that FMT restores the gut microbiota to a composition that is closer to the composition of healthy donors, and potential pathogens are either lost or decreased to very low abundances. This process, however, does not end in the days following FMT. It may take months for the gut microbiome to re-establish a balanced state. Even though a reservoir of resistance genes remains, a notable part of which on plasmids, FMT decreases the total load of resistance genes. Show less
Chernova, V.O.; Terveer, E.M.; Prehn, J. van; Kuijper, E.J.; Keller, J.J.; Jong, A.E.V.; ... ; Contarino, M.F. 2023
We report a patient with a 5-year diagnosis of akinetic-rigid Parkinson's disease under treatment with Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel therapy through a PEG-J tube due to motor complications, in... Show moreWe report a patient with a 5-year diagnosis of akinetic-rigid Parkinson's disease under treatment with Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel therapy through a PEG-J tube due to motor complications, in which, in the context of a clinical study, we successfully and safely administered fecal microbiota transplant through a PEG-J. Show less
Background: The gut microbiome plays an important role in immune modulation. Specifically, presence or absence of certain gut bacterial taxa has been associated with better antitumor immune... Show moreBackground: The gut microbiome plays an important role in immune modulation. Specifically, presence or absence of certain gut bacterial taxa has been associated with better antitumor immune responses. Furthermore, in trials using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to treat melanoma patients unresponsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), complete responses (CR), partial responses (PR), and durable stable disease (SD) have been observed. However, the underlying mechanism determining which patients will or will not respond and what the optimal FMT composition is, has not been fully elucidated, and a discrepancy in microbial taxa associated with clinical response has been observed between studies. Furthermore, it is unknown whether a change in the microbiome itself, irrespective of its origin, or FMT from ICI responding donors, is required for reversion of ICI-unresponsiveness. To address this, we will transfer microbiota of either ICI responder or nonresponder metastatic melanoma patients via FMT. Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded phase Ib/IIa trial, 24 anti-PD1-refractory patients with advanced stage cutaneous melanoma will receive an FMT from either an ICI responding or nonresponding donor, while continuing anti-PD-1 treatment. Donors will be selected from patients with metastatic melanoma treated with anti-PD-1 therapy. Two patients with a good response (& GE; 30% decrease according to RECIST 1.1 within the past 24 months) and two patients with progression (& GE; 20% increase according to RECIST 1.1 within the past 3 months) will be selected as ICI responding or nonresponding donors, respectively. The primary endpoint is clinical benefit (SD, PR or CR) at 12 weeks, confirmed on a CT scan at 16 weeks. The secondary endpoint is safety, defined as the occurrence of grade & GE; 3 toxicity. Exploratory endpoints are progression-free survival and changes in the gut microbiome, metabolome, and immune cells. Discussion: Transplanting fecal microbiota to restore the patients' perturbed microbiome has proven successful in several indications. However, less is known about the potential role of FMT to improve antitumor immune response. In this trial, we aim to investigate whether administration of FMT can reverse resistance to anti-PD-1 treatment in patients with advanced stage melanoma, and whether the ICI-responsiveness of the feces donor is associated with its effectiveness. Show less
Objectives: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), its subsequent recurrences (rCDIs), and severe CDI (sCDI) provide a significant burden for both patients and the healthcare system. Identifying... Show moreObjectives: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), its subsequent recurrences (rCDIs), and severe CDI (sCDI) provide a significant burden for both patients and the healthcare system. Identifying patients diagnosed with initial CDI who are at increased risk of developing sCDI/rCDI could lead to more cost-effective therapeutic choices. In this systematic review we aimed to identify clinical prognostic factors associated with an increased risk of developing sCDI or rCDI.Methods: PubMed, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science and COCHRANE Library databases were searched from database inception through March, 2021. The study eligibility criteria were cohort and caseecontrol studies. Participants were patients >= 18 years old diagnosed with CDI, in which clinical or laboratory factors were analysed to predict sCDI/rCDI. Risk of bias was assessed by using the Quality in Prognostic Research (QUIPS) tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool modified for prognostic studies. Study selection was performed by two independent reviewers. Overview tables of prognostic factors were constructed to assess the number of studies and the respective effect direction and statistical significance of an association.Results: 136 studies were included for final analysis. Greater age and the presence of multiple comorbidities were prognostic factors for sCDI. Identified risk factors for rCDI were greater age, healthcareassociated CDI, prior hospitalization, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) started during or after CDI diagnosis, and previous rCDI.Conclusions: Prognostic factors for sCDI and rCDI could aid clinicians to make treatment decisions based on risk stratification. We suggest that future studies use standardized definitions for sCDI/rCDI and systematically collect and report the risk factors assessed in this review, to allow for meaningful metaanalysis of risk factors using data of high-quality trials. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Show less
Background: Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an efficacious treatment for patients with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (rCDI). Stool banks facilitate FMT by providing... Show moreBackground: Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an efficacious treatment for patients with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (rCDI). Stool banks facilitate FMT by providing screened faecal suspensions from highly selected healthy donors. Due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the potential risk of SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission via FMT, many stool banks were forced to temporarily halt and adjust donor activities. Goal: The evaluation of a strategy to effectively continue stool banking activities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Study: To restart our stool banking activities after an initial halt, we implemented periodic SARS-CoV-2 screening in donor faeces and serum, and frequent donor assessment for COVID-19 related symptoms. FMT donor and recipient data obtained before (2016-2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-August 2021) were compared to assess stool banking efficacy. Results: Two out of ten donors developed COVID-19. No differences during versus before the COVID-19 pandemic were observed in the number of approved faeces donations (14 vs 22/month, p = 0.06), FMT requests for rCDI (3.9 vs 4.3/month, p = 0.6); rCDI patients eligible for FMT (80.6% vs 73.3%, p = 0.2); rCDI cure rate (90.3% vs 89.2%, p = 0.9); CDI-free survival (p = 0.7); the number of non-rCDI patients treated with FMT (0.5/month vs 0.4/month), and the number of possibly FMT related adverse events (9.5% vs 7.8%, p = 0.7). Two FMTs for rCDI were delayed due to COVID-19. Conclusions: There is a continued need for FMT treatment of rCDI during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appropriate donor screening and SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention measures can be implemented in existing protocols without increasing the burden for donors, and allow safe, effective and efficient FMT during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Stool banks should evaluate their SARS-CoV-2 donor screening protocols for long-term sustainability and efficacy, and share their experiences to help the utilisation, standardisation and improvement of stool banks worldwide. Show less
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with multiple recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) have a disturbed gut microbiota that can be restored by fecal microbiota trans-plantation (FMT).... Show moreBACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with multiple recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) have a disturbed gut microbiota that can be restored by fecal microbiota trans-plantation (FMT). Despite extensive screening, healthy feces donors may carry bacteria in their intestinal tract that could have long-term health effects, such as potentially procarci-nogenic polyketide synthase-positive (pks+) Escherichia coli. Here, we aim to determine whether the pks abundance and persistence of pks+ E coli is influenced by pks status of the donor feces. METHODS: In a cohort of 49 patients with rCDI treated with FMT and matching donor samples-the largest cohort of its kind, to our knowledge-we retrospectively screened fecal metagenomes for pks+ E coli and compared the presence of pks in patients before and after treatment and to their respective donors. RESULTS: The pks island was more prevalent (P = .026) and abundant (P < .001) in patients with rCDI (pre-FMT, 27 of 49 [55%]; median, 0.46 reads per kilobase per million [RPKM] pks) than in healthy donors (3 of 8 donors [37.5%], 11 of 38 samples [29%]; median, 0.01 RPKM pks). The pks status of patients post-FMT depended on the pks status of the donor suspension with which the patient was treated (P = .046). Particularly, persistence (8 of 9 cases) or clearance (13 of 18) of pks+ E coli in pks+ patients was correlated to pks in the donor (P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that FMT contrib-utes to pks+ E coli persistence or eradication in patients with rCDI but that donor-to-patient transmission of pks+ E coli is unlikely. Show less
Background: Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an emerging treatment modality, but its current clinical use and organisation are unknown. We aimed to describe the clinical use, conduct, and... Show moreBackground: Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an emerging treatment modality, but its current clinical use and organisation are unknown. We aimed to describe the clinical use, conduct, and potential for FMT in Europe.Methods: We invited all hospital-based FMT centres within the European Council member states to answer a web-based questionnaire covering their clinical activities, organisation, and regulation of FMT in 2019. Responders were identified from trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov and from the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) working group for stool banking and FMT.Findings: In 2019, 31 FMT centres from 17 countries reported a total of 1,874 (median 25, quartile 10.64) FMT procedures; 1,077 (57%) with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) as indication, 791 (42%) with experimental indications, and 6 (0.3%) unaccounted for. Adjusted to population size, 0.257 per 100,000 population received FMT for CDI and 0-189 per 100,000 population for experimental indications. With estimated 12,400 (6,100-8,500) annual cases of multiple, recurrent CDI and indication for FMT in Europe, the current European FMT activity covers approximately 10% of the patients with indication. The participating centres demonstrated high safety standards and adherence to international consensus guidelines. Formal or informal regulation from health authorities was present at 21 (68%) centres.Interpretation: FMT is a widespread routine treatment for multiple, recurrent CDI and an experimental treatment. Embedded within hospital settings, FMT centres operate with high standards across Europe to provide safe FMT. A significant gap in FMT coverage suggests the need to raise clinical awareness and increase the FMT activity in Europe by at least 10-fold to meet the true, indicated need. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Show less
Background On June 13, 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning after transfer of faeces containing an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli by faecal... Show moreBackground On June 13, 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning after transfer of faeces containing an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli by faecal microbiota transplantation led to bacteraemia in two immunocompromised patients. Consequently, we evaluated the effectiveness of the faeces donor-screening protocol of the Netherlands Donor Faeces Bank, which consists of screening of donors for multidrug-resistant organisms every 3 months, combined with additional screening on indication (eg, after travelling abroad) and application of a quarantine period for all faecal suspensions delivered within those 3 months.Methods We did a retrospective cohort study of data collected between Jan 1, 2015, and Oct 14, 2019, on the multidrug-resistant organism testing results of donor faeces. Additionally, we tested previously quarantined faecal suspensions approved for faecal microbiota transplantation between Dec 12, 2016, and May 1, 2019, for the presence of multidrug-resistant organisms using both aselective and selective broth enrichment media. Whole-genome sequencing with core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) was done on all multidrug-resistant isolates.Findings Among initial screenings, six (9%) of 66 tested individuals were positive for multidrug-resistant organisms and 11 (17%) of 66 tested individuals were positive for multidrug-resistant organisms at any timepoint. Multidrug-resistant organisms were detected in four (25%) of 16 active donors, who had a median donation duration of 268 days (IQR 92 to 366). Among all screening results, 14 (74%) of 19 detected multidrug-resistant organisms were ESBL-producing E coli. 170 (49%) of 344 approved faecal suspensions had corresponding research faeces aliquots available and were tested (from 11 active donors with a median of eight [IQR five to 26] suspensions per donor). No multidrug-resistant organisms were detected in the 170 approved faecal suspensions (one-sided 95% CI 0 to 1.7). cgMLST revealed that all multidrug-resistant organisms were genetically different.Interpretation Healthy faeces donors can become colonised with multidrug-resistant organisms during donation activities. Our screening protocol did not result in approval of multidrug-resistant organism-positive faecal suspensions for microbiota transplantation. Copyright (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Show less
Background Faecal microbiota transplantation is an emerging therapeutic option, particularly for the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Stool banks that organise recruitment... Show moreBackground Faecal microbiota transplantation is an emerging therapeutic option, particularly for the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Stool banks that organise recruitment and screening of faeces donors are being embedded within the regulatory frameworks described in the European Union Tissue and Cells Directive and the technical guide to the quality and safety of tissue and cells for human application, published by the European Council.Objective Several European and international consensus statements concerning faecal microbiota transplantation have been issued. While these documents provide overall guidance, we aim to provide a detailed description of all processes that relate to the collection, handling and clinical application of human donor stool in this document.Methods Collaborative subgroups of experts on stool banking drafted concepts for all domains pertaining to stool banking. During a working group meeting in the United European Gastroenterology Week 2019 in Barcelona, these concepts were discussed and finalised to be included in our overall guidance document about faecal microbiota transplantation.Results A guidance document for all domains pertaining to stool banking was created. This document includes standard operating manuals for several processes involved with stool banking, such as handling of donor material, storage and donor screening.Conclusion The implementation of faecal microbiota transplantation by stool banks in concordance with our guidance document will enable quality assurance and guarantee the availability of donor faeces preparations for patients. Show less
Ooijevaar, R.E.; Nood, E. van; Goorhuis, A.; Terveer, E.M.; Prehn, J. van; Verspaget, H.W.; ... ; Keller, J.J. 2021
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has become a well-established treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI). While short-term outcomes and adverse events relating to FMT... Show moreFecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has become a well-established treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI). While short-term outcomes and adverse events relating to FMT have been well documented, there still is a paucity of data with regard to long-term safety. In this report, we describe the long-term follow-up of the prospective cohort of the first randomized controlled trial of FMT for rCDI, and review the existing literature. A total of 34 patients were treated with FMT for rCDI. Seven patients were still alive after a follow-up of more than 10 years and three patients were lost to follow-up. None of the 34 patients had experienced a new-onset autoimmune, gastrointestinal, or malignant disorder during follow-up. We did not find any deterioration or amelioration of pre-existing medical conditions. Furthermore, no deaths directly attributable to FMT could be identified. These findings are in accordance with the data in available literature. In conclusion, no long-term adverse events or complications directly attributable to FMT were found in our prospective cohort. Review of the available literature does not point to long-term risks associated with FMT in this elderly population, provided that carefully screened fecal suspensions are being used. No firm conclusion on the long-term safety of FMT in younger patients could be drawn. Show less
Background. Patients with multiple recurrent Clostridioides dyficile infections (rCDI) are treated with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), using feces provided by healthy donors. Blastocystis... Show moreBackground. Patients with multiple recurrent Clostridioides dyficile infections (rCDI) are treated with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), using feces provided by healthy donors. Blastocystis colonization of donors is considered an exclusion criterion, whereas its pathogenicity is still under debate.Methods. The introduction of molecular screening for Blastocystis sp. at our stool bank identified 2 donors with prior negative microscopies but positive polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Potential transmission of Blastocystis sp. to patients was assessed on 16 fecal patient samples, pre- and post-FMT, by PCR and subtype (ST) analyses. In addition, clinical outcomes for the treatment of rCDI (n = 31), as well as the development of gastrointestinal symptoms, were assessed.Results. There was 1 donor who carried Blastocystis ST1, and the other contained ST3. All patients tested negative for Blastocystis prior to FMT. With a median diagnosis at 20.5 days after FMT, 8 of 16 (50%) patients developed intestinal colonization with Blastocystis, with identical ST sequences as their respective donors. Blastocystis-containing fecal suspensions were used to treat 31 rCDI patients, with an FMT success rate of 84%. This success rate was not statistically different from patients transferred with Blastocystis sp.-negative donor feces (93%, 76/82). Patients transferred with Blastocystis sp.-positive donor feces did not report any significant differences in bowel complaints in the first week, after 3 weeks, or in the months following FMT.Conclusions. We demonstrated the first transmission of Blastocystis ST1 and ST3 from donors to patients by FMT. This did not result in gastrointestinal symptomatology or have any significant effect on rCDI treatment outcomes. Show less
Terveer, E.M.; Vendrik, K.E.W.; Ooijevaar, R.E.; Lingen, E. van; Boeije-Koppenol, E.; Nood, E. van; ... ; Keller, J.J. 2020
Background The Netherlands Donor Feces Bank provides standardized ready-to-use donor faecal suspensions for faecal microbiota transplantation treatment of patients with recurrentClostridioides... Show moreBackground The Netherlands Donor Feces Bank provides standardized ready-to-use donor faecal suspensions for faecal microbiota transplantation treatment of patients with recurrentClostridioides difficileinfection. Objective The purpose of this study was evaluation of safety, feasibility and outcome of faecal microbiota transplantation facilitated by a national stool bank. Methods The methods used included: observational cohort study of donors and recipients of faecal suspensions; assessment of donor screening and patient selection performed by an expert panel of medical microbiologists, gastroenterologists and infectious disease specialists; and patient outcome evaluated at different timepoints after faecal microbiota transplantation. Results Of 871 volunteers who registered as a potential faeces donor, 16 (2%) became active donors. Nine donors stopped or were excluded after a mean donation period of 5.7 months. In 2016-2019, 47 (27%) of 176 requests for faecal microbiota transplantations were deemed not indicated by the expert panel. In total, 129 patients with recurrentC. difficileinfection were treated with 143 faecal suspensions in 40 different hospitals. The cure rate at two months after a single infusion was 89% (107/120). Of 84 patients, long-term follow-up (median 42 weeks) was available and sustained cure was achieved in 61 (73%). EarlyC. difficileinfection relapses (within two months after faecal microbiota transplantation) and late recurrences (after more than two months) occurred more frequently in patients who received non-C. difficileantibiotics within three weeks after faecal microbiota transplantation and in moderately to severely immunocompromised patients. Of 21 patients withC. difficileinfection after faecal microbiota transplantation, 14 were cured with anti-C. difficileantibiotics and seven with a second transplantation. No faecal microbiota transplantation-related serious adverse events were observed, but gastro-intestinal complaints (nausea, abdominal pain or diarrhoea) persisted in 32% of the treated patients at long-term follow-up. Conclusion Faecal suspensions provided by a centralized stool bank, supported by a multidisciplinary expert team, resulted in effective, appropriate and safe application of faecal microbiota transplantation for recurrentC. difficileinfection. Show less
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an exponential increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections and associated deaths, and represents a significant challenge to healthcare professionals and facilities.... Show moreThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to an exponential increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections and associated deaths, and represents a significant challenge to healthcare professionals and facilities. Individual countries have taken several prevention and containment actions to control the spread of infection, including measures to guarantee safety of both healthcare professionals and patients who are at increased risk of infection from COVID-19. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has a well-established role in the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection. In the time of the pandemic, FMT centres and stool banks are required to adopt a workflow that continues to ensure reliable patient access to FMT while maintaining safety and quality of procedures. In this position paper, based on the best available evidence, worldwide FMT experts provide guidance on issues relating to the impact of COVID-19 on FMT, including patient selection, donor recruitment and selection, stool manufacturing, FMT procedures, patient follow-up and research activities. Show less
Background: Several studies suggested an important role of the gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders, implying that alteration of the gut microbiota might serve as a... Show moreBackground: Several studies suggested an important role of the gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders, implying that alteration of the gut microbiota might serve as a treatment strategy. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is currently the most effective gut microbiota intervention and an accepted treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections. To evaluate indications of FMT for patients with neurological disorders, we summarized the available literature on FMT. In addition, we provide suggestions for future directions.Methods: In July 2019, five main databases were searched for studies and case descriptions on FMT in neurological disorders in humans or animal models. In addition, the website was consulted for registered planned and ongoing trials.Results: Of 541 identified studies, 34 were included in the analysis. Clinical trials with FMT have been performed in patients with autism spectrum disorder and showed beneficial effects on neurological symptoms. For multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, several animal studies suggested a positive effect of FMT, supported by some human case reports. For epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, and diabetic neuropathy some studies suggested a beneficial effect of FMT, but evidence was restricted to case reports and limited numbers of animal studies. For stroke, Alzheimer's disease and Guillain-Barre syndrome only studies with animal models were identified. These studies suggested a potential beneficial effect of healthy donor FMT. In contrast, one study with an animal model for stroke showed increased mortality after FMT. For Guillain-Barre only one study was identified. Whether positive findings from animal studies can be confirmed in the treatment of human diseases awaits to be seen. Several trials with FMT as treatment for the above mentioned neurological disorders are planned or ongoing, as well as for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Conclusions: Preliminary literature suggests that FMT may be a promising treatment option for several neurological disorders. However, available evidence is still scanty and some contrasting results were observed. A limited number of studies in humans have been performed or are ongoing, while for some disorders only animal experiments have been conducted. Large double-blinded randomized controlled trials are needed to further elucidate the effect of FMT in neurological disorders. Show less
Although faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has a well-established role in the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), its widespread dissemination is limited by... Show moreAlthough faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has a well-established role in the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), its widespread dissemination is limited by several obstacles, including lack of dedicated centres, difficulties with donor recruitment and complexities related to regulation and safety monitoring. Given the considerable burden of CDI on global healthcare systems, FMT should be widely available to most centres.Stool banks may guarantee reliable, timely and equitable access to FMT for patients and a traceable workflow that ensures safety and quality of procedures. In this consensus project, FMT experts from Europe, North America and Australia gathered and released statements on the following issues related to the stool banking: general principles, objectives and organisation of the stool bank; selection and screening of donors; collection, preparation and storage of faeces; services and clients; registries, monitoring of outcomes and ethical issues; and the evolving role of FMT in clinical practice, Consensus on each statement was achieved through a Delphi process and then in a plenary face-to-face meeting. For each key issue, the best available evidence was assessed, with the aim of providing guidance for the development of stool banks in order to promote accessibility to FMT in clinical practice. Show less