Fecal samples and rectal swabs adequately reflect the human colonic luminal microbiota (Oct 2024, n=10) Other

[Michael Harrop]

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19490976.2024.2416912

ABSTRACT​

The appropriateness of the fecal microbiota to adequately reflect the gut microbiota composition from more difficult to access luminal content at different colonic locations has been debated.

Here, in a healthy population, luminal samples were collected from terminal ileum to rectum using an unique sampling technique without the need of prior bowel cleansing/preparation. Rectal swabs were collected immediately prior colonoscopy by an experienced physician, and fecal samples were collected at home by the participants themselves.

Microbiota composition was evaluated as relative abundance, α-diversity and Bray–Curtis dissimilarities.

Our data suggest that fecal samples and rectal swabs present noninvasive, easily accessible, low-cost sampling tools that are accurate proxies to characterize luminal large intestinal microbiota composition.

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This is good news that suggests we won't need more invasive methods of FMT. There is some conflicting data here:
Mucosal microbiota transplant, clearing the gut mucosa prior to FMT