Faecal microbiota transplantation for the decolonization of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global problem associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and presents a significant financial and economic burden on healthcare. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been proven effective for curing recurrent Clostridium difficile infections, however no systematic review to date has addressed its effectiveness for decolonization of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from the gut. The aim of this study was to establish whether faecal microbiota transplantation decolonizes antibiotic-resistant bacteria from the gut of colonized adults. A systematic review was performed by undertaking a comprehensive search on MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, PubMed and CINAHL databases for evidence up until May 2018. Randomized and non-randomized studies evaluating the effects of FMT on gut colonization of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in adults were eligible. Studies were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institution critical appraisal checklists. Quality of reporting was assessed using PROCESS and CARE checklists. Data was synthesized narratively, along with a meta-analysis of proportions for the primary outcome. Five studies with a total number of 52 participants were included. Evidence of low quality showed that decolonization was achieved in half of the cases one month after FMT with higher response noted in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and lower response in Klebsiella pneumoniae with New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) mechanisms of resistance. In successful cases, 70% of decolonization cases occurred within the first week after FMT. Few temporary adverse events were identified. Despite the limitations of the included studies, evidence from this review indicates a potential benefit of FMT as a decolonization intervention, which can only be confirmed by future well-designed RCTs.