Can a poop pill take down antimicrobial resistance?
The World Health Organization describes antimicrobial resistance (AMR) “as one of the biggest threats to global health.” King’s College London launched the Promise Trial to treat liver disease with Fecal Microbiota Transplants (FMTs) in pill form. The scientists commissioned us to create workshops for prospective medical trial participants and produce an animated video.
“There is an evolving crisis of chronic liver disease in the UK with prevalence and mortality increasing exponentially. Patients with liver cirrhosis are at particularly high risk for antimicrobial resistance because they are predisposed to bacterial infection which typically results in hospitalization, with high mortality.”- King’s College London. The research happening at Kings College aims to combat antibiotic resistance and save lives.
Poop has often been viewed as gross and bacteria is often thought of as harmful, yet a healthy gut is one that features diverse bacteria. Our SuperTurd character (initially developed for the SuperTurd card game) presents poop in a cute and playful way while educating people about the life saving possibilities of FMTs. The animation is simultaneously educational and playful while presenting an opportunity for reflecting on the larger cultural implications of antimicrobial resistance. Microbial diversity has been dangerously declining both in humans and the environment at large. FMTs are an extremely promising treatment for liver disease as well as other ailments both personal and environmental.