Taking a capsule orally to to help fight Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection is a safe alternative to more invasive procedures, such as colonoscopy or treatment through a nasogastric tube. Oral administration of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) therapy in acid-resistant capsules was just as effective as these other treatment methods at eliminating recurrent diarrhea caused by C. difficile.

C. difficile is a type of bacterial infection that affects the digestive system, and most commonly affects people who have been treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of a C. difficile infection can include diarrhea, fever, and painful abdominal cramps. While many times symptoms can be mild, sometimes life-threatening complications can arise, such as severe swelling of the bowel from a build-up of gas.

Scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) conducted a study involving 20 individuals between the ages of 11 and 84 years who suffered persistent or recurrent C. difficile infection. Each participant received 15 FMT capsules on two consecutive days. They were offered a second dose if their symptoms did not improve within 72 hours.

Among the participants of the study, 14 experienced complete resolution following a single FMT treatment, with no reoccurrence in the subsequent eight weeks. The other six participants received a second dose, with symptoms resolved in five of them. The participants who required a second treatment were in poorer overall health.

“Numerous reports have shown that FMT is effective in treating active C. difficile infection and preventing recurrences in patients whose infections failed to respond to standard treatments. The procedures that have been used before – colonoscopies, nasogastric tubes, even enemas – all have potential risks and discomforts for patients. The use of capsules simplifies the procedure immensely, potentially making it accessible to a greater population,” said lan Youngster, MD, MMSc, corresponding study author, in a statement.

The findings of the study are published in JAMA.