Specific bacteria in the intestine associated with irritable bowel syndrome

Researchers at Gothenburg University have discovered a relationship between the genus Brakispira, a genus of bacteria in the intestine, and IBS, especially the form that causes diarrhea. This finding needs to be confirmed in a large study, but it is hoped that it may bring new treatments to many people with irritable bowel syndrome.

The pathogenic genus Brachyspira is usually absent in the human gut flora.New research Bacteria It shows IBS, especially in diarrheal forms, and that the bacteria are hidden under a mucous layer that protects the surface of the intestine from fecal bacteria.

Attached to intestinal cells

Analysis of fecal samples routinely used to study gut flora was not sufficient to detect Brachyspira. Instead, scientists analyzed bacterial proteins in the mucus from biopsies taken from the intestines.

“Unlike most other gut flora, Brachyspira is in direct contact with the cells and covers the surface of the cells. When more and more IBS patients, not healthy people, continue to find Brachyspira. I was very surprised, “says Karolina Sjöberg Jabbar. He holds a PhD from the Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University and is the first author of this article.

The result stimulates hope

Globally Adult population There are symptoms compatible with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). This condition causes abdominal pain and diarrhea, constipation, or alternating attacks of diarrhea and constipation. People with mild IBS can lead a fairly normal life, but if the symptoms are more pronounced, it can be accompanied by a serious deterioration in quality of life.

“We need to answer a lot of questions, but we hope that at least some patients may have found a treatable cause of IBS,” says Karolina Sjöberg Jabbar.

Bacteria found in 19 of 62

The study was based on colon tissue samples (biopsies) from 62 IBS patients and 31 healthy volunteers (controls). Of the 62 IBS patients, 19 (31 percent) were shown to have Brachyspira in the intestine, but no bacteria were found in samples from healthy volunteers. Brachyspira was especially common in IBS patients with diarrhea.

“This study suggests that this bacterium can be found in about one-third of IBS patients. I would like to see if this can be confirmed in a larger study. We will also investigate whether Brachyspira causes symptoms and how. IBS. Our findings may open up entirely new opportunities to treat and possibly cure some IBS patients, especially those with diarrhea. “Maybe,” said Magnus Simlen, a professor of gastrointestinal illness at the Saar Glenska Academy at the University of Yeteboli and a senior consultant at the Saar Glenska University Hospital.

Some possible treatments

so Pilot study Researchers have failed to eradicate the bacteria, including treating IBS patients with Brachyspira with antibiotics.

“Brachyspira appeared to be evacuating into mucus-secreting goblet cells. This seems to be a previously unknown way for bacteria to survive antibiotics, and other infections that are difficult to treat. I hope I can better understand the disease, “says Sjöberg Jabbar. ..

However, if more extensive studies confirm the association between Brachyspira and IBS symptoms, other antibiotic regimens and probiotics may be possible treatments in the future. This study shows that bacterial patients have intestinal inflammation that resembles an allergic reaction, so allergic medications and dietary changes may be other potential treatment options. Researchers at Gothenburg University will investigate this in future research.

“This is another good example of the importance of free, independent basic research, and in collaboration with healthcare, brings unexpected and important discoveries that are beneficial to many patients. The purpose is not to look for Brakispira, “says Professor Gunner C. Hanson, a world-leading authority on the study of protective mucous layers in the intestines.

The study is published in the journal Intestines..