Fecal microbiota transplantation in severe pneumonia: a case report on overcoming pan-drug resistant infection.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the therapeutic potential of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating severe pneumonia patients with concurrent pan-drug resistant infection.

METHODS

A case report of a 95-year-old female patient with severe pneumonia, complicated by pan-resistant bacterial infections, is presented. The patient was diagnosed with severe pneumonia caused by COVID-19, along with co-infections of , , , , ESBL-producing pan-drug resistant and pan-resistant . During hospitalization, the patient underwent comprehensive treatments, including antimicrobials, mechanical ventilation, and fiberoptic bronchoscopic alveolar lavage. FMT was administered following the failure of conventional treatments to resolve recurrent diarrhea, increased sputum production, and persistent pan-drug resistant infection.

RESULTS

Post-FMT, the patient exhibited significant clinical improvement, including reduced sputum production, cessation of diarrhea, and the normalization of respiratory symptoms. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that FMT enhanced the abundance of beneficial microbiota and suppressed , and the patient was successfully discharged after 133 days of hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

FMT emerged as a pivotal intervention in the management of this severe pneumonia case, suggesting its efficacy in restoring gut microbiota balance and aiding recovery from multi-drug-resistant infections. This case underscores the potential of FMT as a therapeutic option in severe pulmonary infections, especially in the context of antibiotic resistance in severe pneumonia patients.