Therapeutic benefits of fecal microbiota transplantation in animals
Keywords:
ENFERMEDADES GASTROINTESTINALES; DISBIOSIS; MEDICINA VETERINARIA; TRASPLANTE DE MICROBIOTA FECAL., GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES; DYSBIOSIS; VETERINARY MEDICINE; FECAL MICROBIOTA TRANSPLANTATION., GASTROENTEROPATIAS; DISBIOSE; MEDICINA VETERINÁRIA; TRANSPLANTE DE MICROBIOTA FECAL.Abstract
Introduction: gastrointestinal diseases in animals are associated with intestinal dysbiosis, which has driven the search for innovative therapies such as fecal microbiota transplantation.
Objective: to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of fecal microbiota transplantation in animals, describing its clinical efficacy and current limitations.
Methods: a systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted across various databases. The search was performed using an algorithm with keywords and Boolean operators, allowing the identification of relevant sources. The selected studies, after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, were critically analyzed considering timeliness, methodological quality, and thematic relevance, and were integrated into the final synthesis of the review.
Development: fecal microbiota transplantation restores intestinal bacterial diversity, increases species producing short-chain fatty acids, and improves epithelial barrier function. In dogs with acute diarrhea or parvoviral enteritis, a reduction in hospitalization time and better clinical recovery have been reported. In cases of refractory inflammatory bowel disease, a decrease in clinical activity and an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium and Clostridium hiranonis have been observed. However, controversies remain regarding the dual role of Fusobacterium and the lack of standardized protocols for donor selection, dosage, and routes of administration.
Conclusions: fecal microbiota transplantation represents a promising alternative for the management of enteropathies in animals, with encouraging results in microbial restoration and clinical improvement. Nevertheless, further research is required to establish standardized guidelines that ensure safety, reproducibility, and long-term efficacy in veterinary medicine.
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