Super poopers boost transplant success

It's known that gut microbial diversity is essential for donor success, particularly in treating conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

But researchers at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, believe faecal transplant success rates could be boosted by seeking out so-called super donors for specific patients.

A literature review suggests there is likely no “one stool fits all” approach to transplants, the team says.

They’ve identified several studies where one donor has contributed disproportionately to successful outcomes.

In one IBD study, seven of the nine recipients who entered remission had received transplants from one of six donors.

And an Australian study found an IBD remission rate of 27% from all donors but 37% from an apparent super donor.

It’s believed super donors not only have overall quality of microbiota diversity, but also higher quantities of