Safety and Efficacy of Lyophilized Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Via Capsules for Intestinal Multidrug-resistant Bacteria Decolonization

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat, with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Among the most concerning MDROs are extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Colonization of the intestinal tract with these pathogens significantly increases the risk of subsequent invasive infections and facilitates nosocomial transmission, particularly in high-risk populations such as hospitalized or immunocompromised patients.

Current approaches to MDRO decolonization, including selective digestive decontamination and antimicrobial therapy, have shown inconsistent efficacy and carry the risk of further promoting resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel, non-antibiotic interventions that can effectively reduce intestinal MDRO colonization.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a promising strategy to restore a healthy gut microbiome and outcompete resistant organisms. While FMT is an established therapy for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection, its use in MDRO decolonization remains investigational. Most available data come from small cohort studies or case series, with limited evidence from controlled trials.

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FMT using lyophilized stool capsules for the decolonization of intestinal MDROs.

Study Design and Intervention

Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either:

• Intervention arm: Oral FMT capsules containing lyophilized fecal microbiota from healthy screened donors
• Control arm: Oral placebo capsules identical in appearance but containing an inert substance Both participants and investigators will be blinded to the allocation. The capsules will be administered under supervision, and the total number of capsules and dosing schedule will be consistent with existing FMT protocols for recurrent C. difficile infection, adapted as needed for study-specific safety and feasibility.

The study will include 48 adult participants (≥18 years) who have laboratory-confirmed intestinal colonization with one or more MDROs (e.g., ESBL-E, CRE, or VRE). Colonization must be confirmed by at least one positive stool or rectal swab culture within a defined timeframe prior to randomization.

Study Procedures and Timeline

Participants will be monitored over a 180-day follow-up period, including four follow-up study visits:

Screening/Baseline/Intervention (visit 1-3): Informed consent, screening, confirmation of MDRO colonization, baseline characteristics, randomization. The intervention can be started on the same day.

Follow-up consists of several visits: Visit 4 (Day 7±1), 5 (Day 30±3), 6 (Day 90±3), and 7 (Day 180±7). At each visit, stool samples or rectal swabs will be collected for MDRO culture and participants will be assessed for adverse events, new infections, antibiotic use or changes in health status.

Primary and Secondary Objectives Primary objective: To evaluate the efficacy of oral FMT capsules in decolonizing intestinal MDROs at 180 days post-treatment, measured by the absence of target MDROs in stool cultures.

Secondary objectives: To assess the persistence of decolonization at follow-up visits. To evaluate the safety and tolerability of FMT capsules, including the incidence and severity of adverse events. To evaluate the rate of early decolonization (day 30).

Safety Monitoring All participants will be monitored for adverse events, including gastrointestinal symptoms, infections, allergic reactions, and other unexpected events. Any serious adverse events (SAEs) will be reported to the relevant ethics committee and regulatory authorities in accordance with local and international guidelines.

Potential Impact This trial addresses a critical unmet need in infectious disease management and antimicrobial stewardship. If successful, oral FMT capsules could become a scalable, non-antibiotic approach to MDRO decolonization, with important implications for preventing infections, limiting MDRO spread, and reducing the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials in high-risk populations. Furthermore, the capsule-based delivery offers a patient-friendly, less invasive alternative to colonoscopic or enema-based FMT administration, potentially improving acceptability and adherence.

Inclusion criteria

• ≥ 18 years,
• stool sample or rectal swab positive for MDRO (CRE, ESBL-E, VRE) within a week of randomization,
• capable of swallowing oral capsules,
• willing to give informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• antibiotic treatment on the day of inclusion,
• pregnant or breastfeeding, women of childbearing potential who are unwilling or unable to use an acceptable method of birth control,
• patients with terminal diseases with expected life expectancy < 6 months,
• unwillingness to ingest the capsules,
• a history of colectomy, present colostomy or ileostomy,
• patients with the diagnosis/treatment of inflammatory or functional bowel disease,
• patients with malignant bowel diseases,
• absolute neutrophil count < 500/mm3,
• selective digestive decolonization with antibiotics within 6 months before randomization,
• severe allergy to capsule components