Reorganisation of faecal microbiota transplant services during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an exponential\r\nincrease in SARS-CoV-\r\n2 infections and associated deaths,\r\nand represents a significant challenge to healthcare\r\nprofessionals and facilities. Individual countries have\r\ntaken several prevention and containment actions to\r\ncontrol the spread of infection, including measures\r\nto guarantee safety of both healthcare professionals\r\nand patients who are at increased risk of infection\r\nfrom COVID-19. Faecal microbiota transplantation\r\n(FMT) has a well-established\r\nrole in the treatment\r\nof Clostridioides difficile infection. In the time of the\r\npandemic, FMT centres and stool banks are required\r\nto adopt a workflow that continues to ensure reliable\r\npatient access to FMT while maintaining safety and\r\nquality of procedures. In this position paper, based on the\r\nbest available evidence, worldwide FMT experts provide\r\nguidance on issues relating to the impact of COVID-19\r\non FMT, including patient selection, donor recruitment\r\nand selection, stool manufacturing, FMT procedures,\r\npatient follow-up\r\nand research activities.