skip to main content

FMT for Recurrent CDI — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyHealthcare-Associated InfectionsFMT for Recurrent CDISCE Infectious Diseases

A 60-year-old man develops Clostridium difficile infection for the third time in 12 months. Each episode was treated with oral Vancomycin. He has ongoing risk factors (PPI, multiple recent antibiotics). What intervention has the strongest evidence for preventing FURTHER recurrences?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) — for ≥2 recurrences of CDI despite appropriate antibiotic therapy, FMT has the highest cure rate (~85–90% after single infusion)

For multiply recurrent CDI (≥2 recurrences despite appropriate antibiotic therapy), FMT is the most effective intervention with cure rates of 85–90% after a single infusion (and >95% after a second). NICE and BSG guidelines support FMT for recurrent CDI. FMT restores the diverse anaerobic colonic microbiome that provides colonisation resistance against C. difficile. It can be delivered via colonoscopy, NG tube, or encapsulated oral preparation. Before FMT, a final course of Vancomycin (with taper) is given to reduce C. difficile burden.

Reference: NICE NG199 2021 – CDI; BSG 2018 – FMT; Cochrane 2023 – FMT for CDI