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A Ray of Terrifying Hope: Is a Fecal Transplant the Cure for What Ails You?
Behold the awesome power of poop:
A new study finds that such transplants cured 15 of 16 people who had recurring infections with Clostridium difficile bacteria, whereas antibiotics cured only 3 of 13 and 4 of 13 patients in two comparison groups. The treatment appears to work by restoring the gut’s normal balance of bacteria, which fight off C. difficile.
The study is the first to compare the transplants with standard antibiotic therapy. The research, conducted in the Netherlands, was published Wednesday in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Tell me more about these fecal transplants.
Researchers say that, worldwide, about 500 people with the infection have had fecal transplantation. It involves diluting stool with a liquid, like salt water, and then pumping it into the intestinal tract via an enema, a colonoscope or a tube run through the nose into the stomach or small intestine.
Ack! Tell me less! Tell me less!
Superbabe-turned-newest UB contributor, Laurence, wondered aloud at the news, “Does this mean that fecal transplants are the cure for Super Gonorrhea?” Well, doctors? Are they?
Only one way to find out, folks! (Actually, I can think of at least two…)
Given a choice between the two, would you prefer a dose of antibiotics or a fecal transplant?
(via NYT)
