The Role of Pathogenic Microbes and Commensal Bacteria in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) reflects several pathogenetic entities including a subgroup with low-grade colonic inflammation. We propose that pathogenic bacteria act as triggers and that disturbances of commensal bacteria maintain low-grade inflammation, that in turn leads to dysfunction in the gut or brain. METHODS: Studies were performed in mice under specific pathogen-free conditions. Visceral pain was assessed by the …