Edwardsiella tarda superinfection in relapse of ulcerative colitis.

Despite promising results of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), this form of therapy has not gained much acceptance among physicians. Treatment with vancomycin and fidoximicin in addition to being expensive is also associated with high risk of relapse. The objective of this study was to assess physician perceptions and their willingness to consider FMT as a treatment option for their patients with recurrent CDI. MethodsA survey-based study collecting information from practicing gastroenterologists and infectious disease specialists was conducted. Survey was designed using an online tool "Survey Monkey" and comprised of 10 questions related to FMT. Print forms of the survey were also utilized to obtain data via facsimile. ResultsA total of 72 completed responses (of over 250 surveys) were obtained. About 69% of respondents were gastroenterologists and 31% were Infectious disease specialists. The respondents comprised of 70% males and 30% females, 62% practicing in academic center and 38% in private practice. 83% of respondents would consider FMT for their patients with recurrent CDI while as 14% of respondents would not consider FMT for their patients. 3% responded "never thinking about this treatment". Among those respondents who would not consider FMT, 58% did not know how to perform the procedure, 33% were skeptical about the safety of the procedure, 33% did not think there is enough evidence to support the therapy. 16% thought that the procedure was tiresome, and 16% were skeptical about patient acceptance of the therapy. Majority of the respondents who would not consider FMT (67%) were willing to accept if training workshops were provided and 42% would accept if published guidelines from GI societies or more scientific evidence supporting its use was available. Conclusion: Physicians are generally receptive of FMT as a therapeutic option for treating recurrent CDI. Majority of those reluctant to use FMT would consider such treatment if training workshops were provided and clinical practice guidelines by the GI Societies were available.