Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
08:34
Investigating the Alleviating Effects of Bacillus cereus Administration on Colitis through Gut Microbiota Modulation
Published on: July 27, 2022
Review of the microscopic colitides
Eugene F Yen1, Darrell S Pardi
1Division of Gastroenterology, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, 2650 Ridge Avenue, Suite G221, Evanston, IL 60201, USA. eyen@uchicago.edu
Current Gastroenterology Reports
|July 21, 2011
Summary
Microscopic colitis, a cause of chronic diarrhea, is increasingly diagnosed, especially in older adults. This review assesses its epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment, noting drug-induced cases require more study.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Microscopic colitis is a frequent cause of chronic diarrhea, primarily affecting older adults.
- Incidence rates for microscopic colitis, encompassing lymphocytic and collagenous subtypes, are rising, nearing those of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Drug-induced microscopic colitis is a potential factor requiring further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated assessment of the epidemiology of microscopic colitis.
- To review current diagnostic approaches for microscopic colitis.
- To summarize treatment strategies for microscopic colitis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microscopic colitis epidemiology.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria and methods for microscopic colitis.
- Evaluation of treatment data, including retrospective studies and limited controlled trials.
Main Results:
- Increasing incidence rates of microscopic colitis observed over time.
- Limited controlled treatment data available, with reliance on retrospective studies.
- Systematic therapeutic approaches can lead to symptom control.
Conclusions:
- Microscopic colitis is a significant gastrointestinal condition with increasing prevalence.
- Further research is needed to understand drug-induced microscopic colitis.
- A structured approach to diagnosis and treatment is recommended for managing microscopic colitis.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...
01:27Microbiota of the Large Intestine
The large intestine hosts the most densely populated microbial ecosystem in the human body. This complex community primarily consists of anaerobic bacteria, with Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as the predominant groups. The distribution of these microbes varies along different sections of the large intestine, influenced by local environmental factors such as oxygen availability and nutrient composition.The cecum, located at the beginning of the large...
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
01:27Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine
The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:29Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.