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Microbial manipulation as primary therapy for Crohn's disease
Randy S Longman1, Arun Swaminath
1Division of Digestive and Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|March 30, 2013
Summary
Rifaximin may improve remission rates in Crohn
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Antibiotics are used post-surgery for Crohn's disease (CD).
- The effectiveness of antibiotics as primary therapy for CD is not well understood.
- A recent trial showed rifaximin improved remission rates in moderately active CD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss microbial manipulation as a primary therapy for Crohn's disease.
- To explore durability, immune cell polarization, and safety of this approach.
Main Methods:
- Commentary on a multicenter phase 2 trial.
- Discussion of microbial manipulation strategies.
Main Results:
- Rifaximin treatment increased week 12 remission rates in patients with moderately active CD.
- Renewed interest in using microbial manipulation for primary CD therapy.
Conclusions:
- Microbial manipulation is a potential primary therapy for Crohn's disease.
- Further discussion is needed on the durability, immune effects, and safety of this therapeutic strategy.
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