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Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
[Microscopic colitis in patients with chronic diarrhea]
J L Valle Mansilla1, R León Barúa, S Recavarren Arce
1Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Facultad de Medicina Alberto Hurtado. Lima. Perú.
Abstract:
It has recently been suggested that there is an association between infectious gastroenteritis and irritable bowel syndrome with chronic diarrhea; and a striking similarity between the microscopic lesion observed in this condition and the lesion described in microscopic colitis (MC). As in developed countries MC is found in only 12.6 to 15% of patients with chronic diarrhea, we thought it worthwhile to investigate in Perú, a developing country with high prevalence of infectious gastroenteritis, the prevalence of MC also in patients with chronic diarrhea. One hundred and ten patients with chronic diarrhea underwent biopsies from the right and left colon, and the biopsies were examined histologically to detect MC of lymphocytic or collagenous type.MC was present in 44 (40%) of the 110 patients with chronic diarrhea, being of lymphocytic type in 42, and of collagenous type in. The prevalence of MC observed in Peruvian patients with chronic diarrhea is high when compared to reports from developed countries. This finding supports the idea that infectious gastroenteritis may, under certain conditions, precipitate the appearance of MC, probably by an autoimmune reaction.
Insights
Microscopic colitis (MC) is more prevalent in Peruvian patients with chronic diarrhea than in developed countries. This suggests infectious gastroenteritis may trigger MC, potentially via autoimmune responses.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Context:
- Microscopic colitis (MC) is diagnosed in 12.6-15% of chronic diarrhea patients in developed nations.
- A potential link exists between infectious gastroenteritis and irritable bowel syndrome with chronic diarrhea, sharing microscopic lesion similarities with MC.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence of microscopic colitis (MC) in Peruvian patients experiencing chronic diarrhea.
- To compare MC prevalence in a developing country with a high incidence of infectious gastroenteritis against developed countries.
Summary:
- This study examined 110 Peruvian patients with chronic diarrhea via colon biopsies.
- Microscopic colitis (MC) was diagnosed in 40% of patients (44/110), predominantly lymphocytic (42/44).
- The high prevalence of MC in this cohort suggests infectious gastroenteritis may precipitate MC, possibly through autoimmune mechanisms.
Impact:
- Highlights a significantly higher prevalence of microscopic colitis in Peruvian patients with chronic diarrhea.
- Provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that infectious gastroenteritis can trigger microscopic colitis.
- Suggests potential autoimmune pathways in the development of microscopic colitis following infection.
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