Typing of feces-derived Candida albicans strains using a novel seven-locus microsatellite panel reveals associations with yeast phenotype in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory diseases of the human gastrointestinal tract are affected by the microbes that reside in the mucosal surfaces. Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have altered bacterial and fungal intestinal compositions, including higher levels of fecal Candida yeasts. Ongoing research indicates that genetic and phenotypic diversity of Candida albicans may be linked with disease severity.

Gut Microbiota Features in Relation to Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Outcome in Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background & Aims: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can induce remission in patients with ulcerative colitis, yet its efficacy needs improvement. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the current literature on microbial factors affecting outcome, as well as a meta-analysis on some of the largest datasets regarding composition.

Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane were systematically searched through August 2024 for relevant studies.

Anaerobic Feces Processing for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Improves Viability of Obligate Anaerobes.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is under investigation for several indications, including ulcerative colitis (UC). The clinical success of FMT depends partly on the engraftment of viable bacteria. Because the vast majority of human gut microbiota consists of anaerobes, the currently used aerobic processing protocols of donor stool may diminish the bacterial viability of transplanted material.

Challenges and costs of donor screening for fecal microbiota transplantations.

Background: The increasing interest to perform and investigate the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has generated an urge for feasible donor screening. We report our experience with stool donor recruitment, screening, follow-up, and associated costs in the context of clinical FMT trials.

Methods: Potential stool donors, aged between 18-65 years, underwent a stepwise screening process starting with an extensive questionnaire followed by feces and blood investigations.

A novel technique capable of taking 'protected' biopsies for reliable assessment of the distribution of microbiota along the colonic mucosa.

We evaluated a novel 'protected' biopsy method to reliably ascertain the spatial distribution of the mucosa-adherent colonic microbiota. Apart from minor differences at genus level, overall similarities along the colon were high between the various areas, irrespective of protected or unprotected sampling.

Sustained effectiveness, safety and therapeutic drug monitoring of tioguanine in a cohort of 274 IBD patients intolerant for conventional therapies.

Background: Tioguanine (or thioguanine) is an alternative drug for IBD patients who fail prior conventional immunomodulating therapy.

Aim: To report effectiveness, safety and therapeutic drug monitoring in a cohort of patients with prolonged tioguanine maintenance therapy.

Methods: In this nationwide, multicentre study, medical records of tioguanine- using IBD patients were retrospectively reviewed.