Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Investigating Intestinal Inflammation in DSS-induced Model of IBD
Published on: February 1, 2012
Study of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in North Indian patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a case control
S V Rana1, S K Sinha, A Sikander
1Department of Gastroenterology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. svrana25@hotmail.com
Background:
Approximately 20% of the general population has irritable bowel syndrome. Despite this high prevalence, the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown. There is no data available concerning the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in North Indian patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
Aim:
This study evaluated the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with irritable bowel syndrome compared with healthy controls.
Methods:
This study included 225 consecutive patients of irritable bowel syndrome between the ages 20 and 65 years attending the gastroenterology clinics. Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome was made according to the Rome II criteria. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was estimated by using the non-invasive glucose hydrogen breath test.
Results:
Of 225 patients of irritable bowel syndrome, 160 (71.1%) were male and 65 (28.9%) were female. Of 100 controls, 65 (65%) were male and 35 (35%) female. The prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was 25 of 225 (11.1%) patients with irritable bowel syndrome and 1 of 100 (1%) in apparently healthy controls. This difference was statistically significant. The prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in male and female patients was not significantly different.
Conclusion:
This study indicates that the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in irritable bowel syndrome patients from North India is approximately 11.1%, which is lower than the reported prevalence.
Related Concept Videos
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...