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Diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: the challenges persist!

Ahmed Abu-Shanab1, Eamonn Mm Quigley

  • 1Alimentary Pharmabiotic Center, Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. shanabu17@hotmail.com

Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|February 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) diagnosis lacks a gold standard, complicating its application beyond malabsorption. This review critically appraises current diagnostic methods for SIBO.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) was historically linked to malabsorption syndromes.
  • The concept of SIBO has expanded to explain symptoms in conditions like IBS, celiac disease, and NAFLD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically review and appraise diagnostic approaches for SIBO.
  • To address the lack of consensus on optimal diagnostic criteria for SIBO.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of diagnostic tests for SIBO.
  • Critical appraisal of existing diagnostic criteria and methodologies.

Main Results:

  • Current diagnostic methods for SIBO lack a universally accepted gold standard.
  • The expanded application of SIBO concepts faces diagnostic uncertainty.

Conclusions:

  • There is a need for consensus on standardized diagnostic criteria for SIBO.
  • Further research is required to validate diagnostic approaches for SIBO in diverse conditions.

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