Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Probiotics:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Probiotics:

The potential value of probiotic bacteria in restoring normal gut function has been demonstrated by animal models of Pi-IBS. In humans, Pi-IBS can be prevented utilizing probiotics to reduce the duration of acute gastroenteritis

Does Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome Respond to Probiotics? Normally, bacteria are present in the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics are microorganisms that have beneficial effects on their host. Probiotics can influence gut function by modifying the composition of the gut flora directly, through the increase in commensal lactobacilli or bifidobacteria or the elimination of pathogens or, indirectly, through a reduction in either pathogen-related inflammation or bacterial fermentation. These effects could influence intestinal handling of its contents and thus modulate symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea.

Experimental studies on germ-free animals exposed to lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and Clostridium tabificum, showed an influence on intestinal motility patterns.  In the first study, the authors used a mix of seven bacteria strains and showed an improvement in abdominal bloating.  Regarding probiotic therapy of Pi-IBS, we can summarize that factors determining an unbalance of intestinal microbiota can promote gut dysfunction, and the potential value of probiotic bacteria in restoring normal gut function has been shown in animal models of Pi-IBS.

Rosario Cuomo Maria Flavia Savarese Rosalba Gargano Gastroenterological Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Naples , Italy