UK doctors are testing 'poo pills,' containing freeze-dried faeces from healthy donors, to treat dangerous superbug infections that resist antibiotics. Early data from a trial at Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals in London shows promising signals that these pills can replace superbugs with healthy gut bacteria, potentially offering a new approach to tackling antibiotic resistance.
Doctors use poo pills to flush out dangerous superbugs
AntibioticsBacteriaMedical researchMedicineHealthDrug resistance
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UK doctors are testing 'poo pills,' containing freeze-dried faeces from healthy donors, to treat dangerous superbug infections that resist antibiotics. Early data from a trial at Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals in London shows promising signals that these pills can replace superbugs with healthy gut bacteria, potentially offering a new approach to tackling antibiotic resistance.
Trending- 1 Ongoing: Trial on 41 patients at Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals.
- 2 Earlier this week: Scientists showed good bacteria met at birth halve risk of lung infections in young children.
- 3 Future: Potential for large-scale studies and regulatory approval of microbiome medicines.
- Potential new treatment for antibiotic-resistant superbugs
- Improved gut health and 'colonisation resistance'
- Possible future replacement for antibiotics
- Significant impact on public health
What: UK doctors are testing 'poo pills' (freeze-dried faeces from healthy donors) to treat dangerous superbug infections.
When: Ongoing trial; 'earlier this week' (related research)
Where: UK, specifically Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals in London
Why: To tackle antibiotic-resistant infections (superbugs), which kill a million people annually, by replacing harmful bacteria in the gut with healthy ones.
How: Patients are given pills containing freeze-dried, tested stool samples from healthy donors. The pills dissolve in the intestines, releasing beneficial bacteria.