Thabane M, Marshall JK. Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15(29): 3591-3596 [PMID: 19653335 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.15.3591]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Dr. John K Marshall, Division of Gastroenterology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Room 2F59, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada. marshllj@mcmaster.ca
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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 7, 2009; 15(29): 3591-3596 Published online Aug 7, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.3591
Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome
Marroon Thabane, John K Marshall
Marroon Thabane, John K Marshall, Division of Gastroenterology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5, Canada; Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
Marroon Thabane, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
Author contributions: Thabane M wrote the manuscript; Thabane M and Marshall JK revised the manuscript critically for important intellectual content and approved the final version.
Correspondence to: Dr. John K Marshall, Division of Gastroenterology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Room 2F59, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada. marshllj@mcmaster.ca
Telephone: +1-905-5212100-76782
Fax: +1-905-5236048
Received: May 7, 2009 Revised: June 30, 2009 Accepted: July 7, 2009 Published online: August 7, 2009
Abstract
Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) is a common disorder wherein symptoms of IBS begin after an episode of acute gastroenteritis. Published studies have reported incidence of PI-IBS to range between 5% and 32%. The mechanisms underlying the development of PI-IBS are not fully understood, but are believed to include persistent sub-clinical inflammation, changes in intestinal permeability and alteration of gut flora. Individual studies have suggested that risk factors for PI-IBS include patients’ demographics, psychological disorders and the severity of enteric illness. However, PI-IBS remains a diagnosis of exclusion with no specific disease markers and, to date, no definitive therapy exists. The prognosis of PI-IBS appears favorable with spontaneous and gradual resolution of symptoms in most patients.
