Background Several randomised clinical trials (RCTs) performing faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly for ulcerative colitis, have recently been published, but with major variations in study design. These include differences in administered dose, route and frequency of delivery, type of placebo and evaluated endpoints. Although the overall outcomes appear to be promising, they are highly dependent on both donor and recipient factors. Objective To develop concensus-based statements and recommendations for the evaluation, management and potential treatment of IBD using FMT in order to move towards standardised practices. Design An international panel of experts convened several times to generate evidence-based guidelines by performing a deep evaluation of currently available and/or published data. Twenty-five experts in IBD, immunology and microbiology collaborated in different working groups to provide statements on the following key issues related to FMT in IBD: (A) pathogenesis and rationale, (B) donor selection and biobanking, (C) FMT practices and (D) consideration of future studies and perspectives. Statements were evaluated and voted on by all members using an electronic Delphi process, culminating in a plenary consensus conference and generation of proposed guidelines. Results and conclusions Our group has provided specific statements and recommendations, based on best available evidence, with the end goal of providing guidance and general criteria required to promote FMT as a recognised strategy for the treatment of IBD.

Background: Patients with ulcerative colitis [UC] who undergo proctocolectomy with an ileal pouch–anal anastomosis commonly develop pouch inflammation [pouchitis]. Pouchitis develops in a previously normal small intestine and may involve environmental factors. We explored whether diet and microbiota alterations contributed to the pathogenesis of pouchitis.Methods: Patients were recruited and prospectively followed at a comprehensive pouch clinic. Pouch behaviour was clinically defined as a normal pouch [NP] or pouchitis. Patients completed Food Frequency Questionnaires [FFQs]. Faecal samples were analysed for microbial composition [16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing].Results: Nutritional evaluation was performed in 172 patients [59% females], and of these, faecal microbial analysis was performed in 75 patients (microbiota cohort: NP [n = 22], pouchitis [n = 53]). Of the entire cohort, a subgroup of 39 [22.6%] patients had NP at recruitment [NP cohort]. Of these, 5 [12.8%] developed pouchitis within a year. Patients at the lowest tertile of fruit consumption [<1.45 servings/day] had higher rates of pouchitis compared with those with higher consumption [30.8% vs 3.8%, log rank, p = 0.03]. Fruit consumption was correlated with microbial diversity [r = 0.35, p = 0.002] and with the abundance of several microbial genera, including Faecalibacterium [r = 0.29, p = 0.01], Lachnospira [r = 0.38, p = 0.001], and a previously uncharacterized genus from the Ruminococcaceae family [r = 0.25, p = 0.05]. Reduction in fruit consumption over time was associated with disease recurrence and with reduced microbial diversity [Δ = –0.8 ± 0.3, p = 0.008].Conclusions: Fruit consumption is associated with modification of microbial composition, and lower consumption was correlated with the development of pouchitis. Thus, fruit consumption may protect against intestinal inflammation via alteration of microbial composition.