Fecal microbiota transplantation: A 'How-To' guide for nurses.

Fecal microbiota transplantation is emerging as one of the most exciting treatments of this century. Rarely has one treatment provided the opportunity to treat a myriad of diseases, not only within the gastrointestinal tract but also in extra-intestinal organs; such is the power of the gastrointestinal microbiota to modulate the immune system and eradicate infections, even where antibiotics have previously failed. The demand for this therapy, both among patients and physicians, is increasing, and a search of the literature reveals numerous reviews, case reports and discussion on the topic.

Fecal microbiota transplantation: techniques, applications, and issues.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has gained widespread recognition in light of the recent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) epidemic, responsible for almost 110,000 deaths per year. The procedure's success rate has caused experts to reflect on what other conditions may benefit. This article provides an overview of (1) description and history of FMT, (2) FMT publications in CDI, (3) the concept of the gut microbiota as a virtual organ, (4) rationale for FMT use, (5) FMT use in inflammatory bowel disease, (6) emerging FMT applications, (7) how FMT is currently performed, and (8) how FMT may be performed in the future.

Mycobacterium avium ss paratuberculosis-associated diseases: piecing the Crohn's puzzle together.

The relation of Mycobacterium avium ss paratuberculosis (MAP) to Crohn's Disease (CD) and other MAP-associated conditions remains controversial. New data, coupled with the analogous Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) story, has permitted us to piece together the MAP puzzle and move forward with a more scientific way of treating inflammatory bowel disease, particularly CD.