Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2021 Sep;50(3):523-545.doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2021.03.003. Epub 2021 Jun 25.

Prashant Singh ¹, Anthony Lembo ²

Author information

• ¹Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, MSBR1, Room 6520 B, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. Electronic address: singhpr@med.umich.edu.
• ²Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Rabb/Rose 1, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

Abstract

Advances in bioinformatics have facilitated investigation of the role of gut microbiota in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This article describes the evidence from epidemiologic and clinical observational studies highlighting the link between IBS and gut microbiome by investigating postinfection IBS, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and microbial dysbiosis. It highlights the effects of gut microbiota on mechanisms implicated in the pathophysiology of IBS, including gut-brain axis, visceral hypersensitivity, motility, epithelial barrier, and immune activation. In addition, it summarizes the current evidence on microbiome-guided therapies in IBS, including probiotics, antibiotics, diet, and fecal microbiota transplant.