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The role of antibiotic and probiotic therapies in current and future management of inflammatory Bowel disease

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Abstract

Abundant evidence indicates that the intestinal microflora have a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The composition of the gut microflora is altered in IBD patients with increased "pathogenic" bacteria and decreased bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. In light of this dysbiosis, various methods have been examined to alter the composition of the intestinal microflora, including the administration of antibiotics and introduction of probiotic species. This article summarizes studies evaluating the efficacy of antibiotics and probiotics in the induction and maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and pouchitis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology, Zeidler Family Gastrointestinal Health and Research Centre, Zeidler Ledcor Building, 130 University Campus, T6G 2C8, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Richard N. Fedorak MD

Authors
  1. Julia B. Ewaschuk PhD
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  2. Qassim Z. Tejpar
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  3. Isaac Soo BSc
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  4. Karen L. Madsen PhD
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  5. Richard N. Fedorak MD
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Correspondence to Richard N. Fedorak MD.

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Ewaschuk, J.B., Tejpar, Q.Z., Soo, I. et al. The role of antibiotic and probiotic therapies in current and future management of inflammatory Bowel disease. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 8, 486–498 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-006-0039-z

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