Pathogenic agents in inflammatory bowel diseases

Guillaume Pineton de Chambrun1, Jean-Frédéric Colombel, Daniel Poulain

  • 1Clinic of Digestive Disorders and Nutrition, Hôpital Claude Huriez, CHRU Lille, France.

Abstract

Insights

Infectious agents like Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis, Escherichia coli, and Candida may contribute to Crohn's disease. Genetic susceptibility influences the immune response to these microbes, potentially triggering inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Infectious agents are implicated in the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Recent research highlights Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis, adherent-invasive Escherichia coli, and yeasts as potential contributors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence linking specific infectious agents to Crohn's disease.
  • To explore the mechanisms of interaction between these microbes and the host immune system.

Main Methods:

  • Meta-analysis of M. avium subsp paratuberculosis association with Crohn's disease.
  • Review of randomized controlled trials on antibiotic therapy for Crohn's disease.
  • Examination of E. coli adherence mechanisms and CEACAM6 expression.
  • Analysis of serologic markers, including anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan antibodies.
  • Investigation of Candida albicans' role and host immune response.

Main Results:

  • A significant association between M. avium subsp paratuberculosis and Crohn's disease was found.
  • Combined antibiotic therapy showed no sustained benefit for active Crohn's disease remission.
  • Adherent-invasive E. coli utilizes type 1 pili to bind CEACAM6, which is overexpressed in Crohn's disease patients, creating an amplification loop.
  • Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan antibodies are prevalent in Crohn's disease.
  • Loss of tolerance to Candida albicans may lead to antibody formation in genetically susceptible individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis, adherent-invasive E. coli, and Candida are strong candidates for an infectious etiology of Crohn's disease.
  • Genetic susceptibility, particularly impaired defense against intracellular bacteria, plays a crucial role in disease development.

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