Microbiome Transplant - From an Unconventional Procedure to a New Frontier in the Treatment of Intestinal Disorders

Abstract

The transplantation of the human microbiota is marked by significant data and personalities that have promoted and maintained an interest in medical practice and scientific research. The long journey in the realm of scientific research and the application of intestinal microbiota in current medical practice has been distinctly separated by the transition from what microbiota is to what the microbiome can do. The remarkable exploration of the therapeutic potential of the microbiome has, however, raised concerns about the associated risks and transformative possibilities that this type of transplant has to offer. From an ethical perspective, the rigorous integration of medical data, medical needs and social health concerns has as a primary focus the potential consequences of microbiome transplantation for personal identity and family relationships. In this paper, we will present how the decision to attempt microbiome transplant treatment provides the opportunity for immediate benefit, but also entails unknown long-term consequences. We will approach this from various points of view such as informed consent, the determination of what constitutes a healthy donor, the safety and risks of transplantation, the potential exploitation of vulnerable patients, and the implications for public health.