Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
06:55
Ileectomy-induced Bile Overaccumulation in Mouse Intestine
Published on: August 21, 2017
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: a comprehensive review
Andrew C Dukowicz1, Brian E Lacy, Gary M Levine
1Dr. Dukowicz is a fellow in the Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|October 1, 2011
Summary
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is more common than previously believed and presents with varied symptoms. This review covers SIBO
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a complex condition characterized by excessive bacteria in the small intestine.
- Historically underestimated, SIBO is now recognized as a more prevalent disorder with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- To discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies for SIBO.
Main Methods:
- This is a comprehensive review article.
- Literature search and synthesis of existing research on SIBO.
Main Results:
- SIBO is more prevalent than previously thought.
- Patient presentation ranges from mild symptoms to severe malabsorption.
- Optimal treatment for SIBO is still under investigation.
Conclusions:
- SIBO is an increasingly recognized gastrointestinal disorder.
- Further research is needed to elucidate optimal diagnostic and treatment protocols for SIBO.
- The association between SIBO and irritable bowel syndrome warrants continued investigation.
Related Concept Videos
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.
01:18Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota
The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
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...
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...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
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...
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...
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...
01:27Inflammatory 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...