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In recent years, the gut microbiota has become one of the most extensively studied topics in biomedicine. There is growing evidence that the microorganisms living in our bodies perform far more diverse functions than previously thought.
The human gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a role in key processes such as digestion, the regulation of the immune system and the metabolism of certain compounds.
This microscopic ecosystem — known as the microbiome — has become a field of scientific research with enormous potential.
Against this backdrop, Spain has launched a pioneering initiative: the country’s first public faecal microbiota bank.
This system enables the storage of microbiota samples from healthy donors for use in medical treatments known as faecal microbiota transplants.
This technique is currently used to treat recurrent intestinal infections caused by the bacterium Clostridioides difficile, a condition that can be particularly serious in hospitalised patients or in people who have undergone prolonged courses of antibiotics.
The aim of this type of banks is to ensure the availability of samples that are reliable and well characterised, as well as establishing standardised protocols for their clinical use.
In addition to its current therapeutic applications, the microbiota bank will also facilitate further research into the role of the microbiome in various diseases.
In the last few years, numerous studies have suggested that the balance of intestinal bacteria may be linked to metabolic conditions, diseases inflammatory and even some neurological disorders.
Although there is still much to learn about this complex biological ecosystem, the development of infrastructure such as microbiota banks reflects the growing scientific interest in this field.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
What is the gut microbiota?
It is the collection of microorganisms that live in the human digestive system.
What is a microbiota transplant?
It is a medical procedure that transfers gut bacteria from a donor who is healthy to a patient.
What conditions is it used for?
Mainly for infections of the intestines that recur caused by Clostridioides difficile.
Why is a microbiota bank important?
It enables the storage of secure, standardised samples for treatment and research.
Is research being carried out into its use for other diseases?
Yes, particularly in diseases of the metabolism, autoimmune diseases and gastrointestinal disorders.
Scientific and medical sources on microbiota and faecal transplantation
- Scientific review on gut microbiota and disease
Article in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (Nature) explaining how the gut microbiome interacts with the nervous, immune and metabolic systems via the gut-brain axis.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-024-01743-1
- Clinical review on faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)
Study published in Journal of Clinical Medicine which describes the use of microbiota transplantation as an effective treatment, particularly for recurrent infections caused by Clostridioides difficile.
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/15/5260
- Review of the medical applications of microbiota transplantation
Article in Clinical Endoscopy which analyses current clinical indications, mechanisms and challenges of faecal transplantation as a treatment.
https://www.e-ce.org/journal/view.php?number=7984
- Scientific review on the applications of faecal transplantation in metabolic and digestive diseases
Article published in PubMed Central analysing the potential of microbiota transplantation beyond infection by Clostridioides difficile, including metabolic and autoimmune diseases.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8039751/
Institutional sources on the microbiota bank in Spain
- Bank of microbiota in Catalonia (Hospital Clínic – Bellvitge)
News institutional regarding the creation of the first bank public for faecal microbiota in the country to treat infections intestinal infections.
- Information from Bellvitge University Hospital on microbiota transplants
It outlines the clinical experience gained and the transplants carried out in Spanish hospitals.