Drug-Resistant <i>E. coli</i> Bacteremia Transmitted by Fecal Microbiota Transplant

Abstract

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an emerging therapy for recurrent or refractory <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> infection and is being actively investigated for other conditions. We describe two patients in whom extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> bacteremia occurred after they had undergone FMT in two independent clinical trials; both cases were linked to the same stool donor by means of genomic sequencing. One of the patients died. Enhanced donor screening to limit the transmission of microorganisms that could lead to adverse infectious events and continued vigilance to define the benefits and risks of FMT across different patient populations are warranted.

Keywords

Affiliated Institutions

• Massachusetts General Hospital US
• Harvard University US
• Zero Emissions Resource Organisation
• NHS Blood and Transplant GB
• Office of Infectious Diseases US
• Center for Digestive and Liver Diseases US

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