Infections associated with irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to 15% of the US population and results in significant morbidity. Intestinal infections are the most commonly identified risk factors for the development of IBS. Various demographic and clinical risk factors have been implicated in the development of postinfection IBS (PI-IBS). However, the molecular mechanisms of PI-IBS are not well understood. Existing literature proposes a role for immune dysregulation, altered barrier function, and microbial factors in the development of PI-IBS. Epidemiologic literature and animal work has also suggested a role for psychological factors in the development and presentation of PI-IBS. Further studies are needed to understand pathogen-specific mechanisms in humans and the role of peripheral and central factors. Currently, no specific therapeutic approaches exist for prevention or treatment of PI-IBS making it critical to discover the molecular signaling and translational mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of infection-associated IBS.