Anaerobic preparation study

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is used as a treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection, but the results for other indications are highly variable. Imbalance of microbiota in many diseases is characterized by the depletion of strictly anaerobic bacteria, which may be crucial for FMT efficacy. We developed a protocol to ensure anaerobic conditions during the entire transplant preparation and banking process, from material collection to administration. We analysed the population of viable anaerobes by combining cultivation and 16S rRNA gene profiling during the transplant preparation and after 4, 8, and 12 months of anaerobic or aerobic storage at -80ºC.