Treating Clostridioides difficile: Could Microbiota-based Live Biotherapeutic Products Provide the Answer?

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a pressing health care issue due to the limited effectiveness of current treatments and high recurrence rates. Current available antibiotic options for CDI disrupt the fecal microbiome which predisposes recurrent CDI. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has improved the outcomes of recurrent CDI, but concerns surrounding the safety and standardization of the product persist. Microbiota-based live biotherapeutic products (LBPs), are emerging as potential alternatives to FMT for CDI treatment. This review explores the potential of LBPs as safe and effective therapy for CDI. While preclinical and early clinical studies have shown promising results, further research is necessary to determine the optimal composition and dosage of LBPs and to ensure their safety and efficacy in clinical practice. Overall, LBPs hold great promise as a novel therapy for CDI and warrant further investigation in other conditions related to disruption of the colonic microbiota.

Automated summary

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a healthcare problem with limited effective treatments and high recurrence rates. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has improved outcomes, but safety and standardization concerns remain. Microbiota-based live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) show promise as alternatives to FMT for CDI treatment. However, further research is needed to determine optimal composition, dosage, and safety of LBPs in clinical practice. Overall, LBPs hold potential as a novel therapy for CDI and should be further investigated for other conditions related to colonic microbiota disruption.