Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: How to Diagnose and Treat (and Then Treat Again)
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Updated: Dec 13, 2025

Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model
Published on: April 6, 2022
Brian Ginnebaugh1, William D Chey2, Richard Saad2
1Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 3912 Taubman Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Abstract:
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition with presentation that can vary from asymptomatic to steatorrhea and malnutrition. Small bowel aspiration and culture is the current gold standard of diagnosis; however, this is invasive and is not without risk to the patient. Breath testing is a noninvasive and less expensive alternative method; however, it lacks diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Novel diagnostic methods being studied include gas-sensing capsules. The mainstay of treatment is antibiotics; alternative therapies include herbal medications, dietary modifications, and prokinetic agents. Further investigation into less invasive and less harmful diagnostic methods and treatment options is warranted.
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