Pathogenic Factors Involved in the Development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Focus on a Microbial Role

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a symptom complex characterized by recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort, and accompanied by abnormal bowel habits, in the absence of any discernible organic abnormality. Its origin remains unclear, partly because multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms are likely to be involved. A significant proportion of patients develop IBS symptoms after an episode of gastrointestinal infection. In addition to …