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Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Investigating the Immunological Mechanisms Underlying Organ Transplant Rejection
Published on: August 20, 2007
Prospective study evaluating immune-mediated mechanisms and predisposing factors underlying persistent postinfectious
Morgane V Florens1, Sander Van Wanrooy1, James Dooley2,3
1Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) incidence is low after travelers' diarrhea. Psychological factors and early symptom severity predict persistent postinfectious abdominal complaints (PI-AC).
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Psychology
Background:
- The role of persistent immune activation in postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) is debated.
- This study investigated immune mechanisms and risk factors for PI-IBS in travelers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify immune-mediated mechanisms and risk factors for PI-IBS.
- To assess the incidence of PI-IBS and persistent postinfectious abdominal complaints (PI-AC) after infectious gastroenteritis.
Main Methods:
- 101 travelers completed questionnaires on psychological profile and GI symptoms.
- Blood and rectal biopsies were collected for immune analysis.
- PI-IBS diagnosed by Rome III criteria; PI-AC identified by GSRS symptoms.
Main Results:
- 47/101 subjects reported infectious gastroenteritis (IGE).
- After 1 year, 2 subjects had PI-IBS and 8 had PI-AC (vs. 2 IBS and 2 AC in non-infected).
- No immune differences found; risk factors for PI-AC included pre-infection anxiety, somatization, and post-infection GI symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of PI-IBS following travelers' diarrhea is low.
- Larger studies are needed to investigate immune activation in PI-IBS.
- Pre-infection psychological factors and early post-infection symptom severity are risk factors for PI-AC.
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