Anaerobic Feces Processing for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Improves Viability of Obligate Anaerobes

• DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092238
• Publication Date: 2023-09-05T13:59:31Z
• Authors: Mèlanie V. Bénard; Iñaki Arretxe; Koen Wortelboer; Hermie J. M. Harmsen; Mark Davids; Clara M. A. de Br...; Marc A. Benninga; Floor Hugenholtz; Hilde Herrema; Cyriel Y. Ponsioen
• Keywords: Obligate anaerobe; Eubacterium; Bacteroides fragilis; Human feces

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is under investigation for several indications, including ulcerative colitis (UC). The clinical success of FMT depends partly on the engraftment viable bacteria. Because vast majority human gut consists anaerobes, currently used aerobic processing protocols donor stool may diminish bacterial viability transplanted material. This study assessed effect four techniques (i.e., anaerobic and aerobic, both direct after temporary cool storage) viability. By combining culturing customized media anaerobes with 16S rRNA sequencing, we could successfully culture identify bacteria present in raw fecal suspensions. We show that superior to conditions preserving obligate butyrate-producing related response patients, Faecalibacterium, Eubacterium hallii, Blautia. oxygen exposure during decreased when samples were stored long-term. Our results confirm importance sample conditioning preserve oxygen-sensitive Anaerobic lead increased FMT, which should further be investigated trials.