Fecal transplants transfer more than microbiota

Fecal transplants are being used to repopulate the colon as a treatment for antibiotic-associated chronic diarrhea. In addition to treating the diarrhea, the transferred microbiota carries functions that affect the metabolism, immune system, and potentially, the behavior of the recipient. Screening of fecal donors may be just as necessary as screening organ donors to ensure that unwanted traits are not transferred with the transplant.