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World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. Nov 15, 2013; 4(4): 91-93
Published online Nov 15, 2013. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v4.i4.91
Prospects and challenges for intestinal microbiome therapy in pediatric gastrointestinal disorders
Richard Kellermayer
Richard Kellermayer, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030-2399, United States
Author contributions: Richard Kellermayer wrote the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Dr. Richard Kellermayer, MD, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, 6621 Fannin St., CC1010.00, Houston, TX 77030-2399, United States. kellerma@bcm.edu
Telephone: +1-713-7980319 Fax: +1-832-8253633
Received: April 30, 2013
Revised: July 23, 2013
Accepted: August 8, 2013
Published online: November 15, 2013
Processing time: 198 Days and 11 Hours
Abstract

Fecal microbiome (microbiota) transplantation is an emerging treatment not only for refractory/recurrent Clostridium difficile infections and chronic gastrointestinal diseases, but also for metabolic syndrome, and even possibly for neurological disorders. This non-conventional therapy has been perhaps more appropriately designated as fecal bacteriotherapy (FB) as well. The employment of FB is spreading into pediatric gastroenterology. This focused review highlights the pediatric applications of FB and discusses hypotheses for its mechanism of action. We propose that intestinal microbiome therapy may be a more appropriate term for FB, which integrates its potential future applications.

Keywords: Microbiome; Fecal transplant; Children; Inflammatory bowel disease; Ulcerative colitis; Clostridium difficile

Core tip: This review provides a focused overview of fecal bacteriotherapy and discusses possible mechanisms of action for this unconventional treatment. It also highlights the challenges, which this therapy faces.