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CDC showcases microbiome research and early clinical results for preventing resistant infections
Summary
CDC described applied research investments into the microbiome, including fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) studies that cleared colonization in multiple patients and plans for a cross‑agency initiative — Advancing Microbiome Solutions for Better Health — to develop interventions that protect against infection by preserving or restoring healthy microbiomes.
Dr. Cliff McDonald described nearly 40 short‑term contracts supported by the AR Solutions Initiative to study the microbiome and develop interventions to protect people from infection. He said research has identified biomarkers and approaches—such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)—that show promise in reducing colonization by resistant organisms and lowering subsequent infection risk.
McDonald cited small trials in high‑risk populations: in one study of 11 renal transplant patients colonized with multidrug‑resistant organisms, 8 of 9 patients who completed all treatments were cleared of colonization. He also referenced nonrandomized experiences in long‑term acute care hospital patients that suggested fewer positive blood cultures and shorter antibiotic courses among treated patients.
McDonald said CDC is launching the Advancing Microbiome Solutions for Better Health initiative to build infrastructure, enhance scientific rigor, and develop product pipelines to protect Americans from infections associated with microbiome disruption. He emphasized that diet and other non‑pharmaceutical measures also support a healthy microbiome, while noting the need for standardized disruption indices and further product development.
