Frozen Stool for Fecal Transplant in Refractory C. difficile Infection

The use of fecal transplantation for refractory Clostridium difficile infection is increasing. Two of the most difficult aspects of the transplantation process — aside from the obvious aesthetic concerns — can be identifying a donor and obtaining reimbursement for the tests needed to evaluate the donor for infection. To solve these problems, some centers have moved toward use of frozen fecal extracts from rigorously screened “universal” donors. Investigators in Minnesota recently reported one center's initial experience with this new process.

Forty-three consecutive adults with recurrent C. difficile infection were included in the study — 10 who received fresh material from patient-selected donors, 12 who received fresh material from standar…