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Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been investigated as a treatment for a variety of diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), though its long-term efficacy and side effects are not well understood.

In a recent study published in , El-Salhy et al. evaluated adult patients with IBS who were enrolled in a previous randomized controlled trial who received placebo, 30 g of donor feces, or 60 g of donor feces. Patient symptoms and quality of life were assessed at baseline and at 2 and 3 years after FMT. Those who received FMT reported reduced symptoms and improved quality of life at 2 and 3 years after FMT. Furthermore, most patients maintained response 3 years after receiving FMT. Ten bacteria were found to be correlated with IBS scores. Importantly, no significant additional adverse events were reported after 3 years.

Clinically, this study suggests that FMT is safe and may have long-term beneficial effects in the treatment of patients with IBS. Certain individuals may respond better to FMT, such as those with severe IBS symptoms. This study also highlights bacteria that may be important in IBS, which may direct future studies for IBS therapies.

Wenly Ruan, MD, is a clinical instructor in the division of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

You can read an interview with the lead study author here, and the abstract of the study here.