Aust Prescr
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The human gut contains many species of microorganisms, many of which have a role in maintaining good health. The gut microbiota can be affected by diet, diseases and drugs, especially antibiotics. Faecal microbiota transplantation involves transplanting faecal material from a healthy person to a patient, with the aim of treating disease. ⋯ As faecal material is usually transplanted during colonoscopy, the recipient must have bowel preparation before the procedure. Adverse effects are mainly gastrointestinal and usually resolve in the week following transplantation. There are limited data on long-term safety.
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Intravenous antibiotics are overused in hospitals. Many infections can be managed with oral antibiotics Oral antibiotics avoid the adverse effects of intravenous administration. ⋯ There are guidelines to aid the clinician with the timing of the switch so that there is no loss of efficacy Infections that may be suitable for a short course of intravenous antibiotic include pneumonia, complicated urinary tract infections, certain intra-abdominal infections, Gram-negative bacteraemia, acute exacerbations of chronic lung disease, and skin and soft tissue infections Bone and joint infections and infective endocarditis are managed with prolonged courses of intravenous antibiotics. However, there is research looking at the feasibility of an earlier switch to oral antibiotics in these conditions