INTRODUCTION: Despite the exponential increase in microbiome research, knowledge and beliefs about the gut microbiome and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the extent of knowledge, awareness and perception among the general public regarding the gut microbiome and FMT. METHODS: An online questionnaire on knowledge and beliefs about the gut microbiome and FMT was administered to 1831 participants. Data analysis software was used to generate descriptive statistics and explore associations between knowledge and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: Even though only 33% of participants had heard of the gut microbiome, more than 92% had consumed probiotic drinks or supplements. While 85% had not heard of the FMT procedure, 72% of respondents would consider having FMT to treat Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Willingness to receive FMT depended mainly on recommendation from healthcare providers (77%). Knowledge and awareness regarding the gut microbiome and FMT were relatively low, despite most participants having prior gut health-related behaviours. CONCLUSION This study identified the public's perceptions of FMT and the potential barriers to its uptake. Insights from the study highlight the need for health education to enhance acceptance of FMT and the importance of using information supported by medical professionals to immunise the public against poorly validated science.
Humans ; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Male ; Female ; Singapore ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Clostridium Infections/therapy* ; Adolescent

INTRODUCTIONMycotic aneurysms are associated with high mortality rates and are managed in the local setting with extra-anatomical bypass followed by ligation, exclusion and debridement of the aneurysm. This is the first case of successful endovascular stenting in an immunocompromised patient with Salmonella mycotic aneurysm.

CLINICAL PICTUREA middle-aged man who was HIV positive had Salmonella septicaemia. He developed abdominal pain 5 days after admission and a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen revealed infrarenal aortitis. He developed a mycotic aneurysm 3 weeks later.

TREATMENTHe opted for endovascular stenting and after prolonged antibiotic therapy and negative blood cultures, he underwent the procedure using a Talent stent, with an iliac extension.

OUTCOMEHe was discharged 1 week after stenting and maintained on oral bactrim based on sensitivity. At 1-year follow-up, he remains well symptomatically and CT scan showed no endoleak or collection.

CONCLUSIONEndovascular stenting, though a fairly new procedure, can be successfully deployed even in a mycotic aneurysm in the right setting.

Aneurysm, Infected ; drug therapy ; surgery ; therapy ; HIV Infections ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Salmonella Infections ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; surgery ; Salmonella enteritidis ; Stents ; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination ; therapeutic use