The GRAFT study: Gut RecolonizAtion by Fecal Transplantation

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Abstract Clostridium difficile is the most frequent bacterial cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Those with a previous C. difficile infection (CDI) are at high risk of recurrent infection. Recurrent CDI often occurs when the normal gut microbiota are disrupted. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota predisposes to CDI which, despite treatment can recur in 30% of patients. A novel way to prevent CDI recurrence is by instilling feces from a healthy individual into the intestine of the CDI patient, thereby restoring balance in the gut microbiota. However, it is unknown whether or not fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an efficacious choice for CDI recurrence prevention when used concurrently with antibiotics. We propose a pilot randomized, double-blind placebo- controlled trial comparing oral FMT with placebo in patients with a history of CDI, currently undergoing antibiotic treatment. We will collect fecal samples from subjects prior to, during, and after FMT and collect metagenomics and microbiologic data on microbiota composition and function, and CDI recurrence. The trial's primary outcome is gut microbial composition and function. Secondary outcomes are feasibility and safety, and recurrent CDI during the trial period. In this 3 group study, FMT will be administered daily via oral capsules containing frozen fecal microbiota from universal donors in group 1, administered at the end of antibiotic treatment for group 2 and group 3 will receive placebo. The results of this study will provide the necessary pilot data to examine whether or not concurrent FMT in antibiotic treated patients who are at high risk for recurrent CDI can maintain a diverse healthy GI microbiota. If found to be effective, a trial evaluating the effect of concurrent FMT and antibiotic treatment for prevention of recurrent CDI in hospitalized patients would be warranted.