Specific Bacteria Found in the Gut Linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome

University of Gothenburg researchers discovered a possible relationship between a genus of bacteria found in the intestine called Brachyspira (especially the form that causes diarrhea) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). According to the university's release, the pathogenic bacterial genus Brachyspira is usually not found in the human gut flora. The new study shows that the bacterium pelts under the mucus layer safeguard the intestines' layers from fecal bacteria.

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IBS can either be accompanied by constipation and diarrhea

ALSO READ: Childhood Food Sensitivity and Asthma Increase the Risk for Developing IBS in Adolescent Years

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Mayo Clinic describes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disease that Impacts the large intestine. WebMD added that IBS is a mix of belly distress and trouble with bowel habits, diarrhea, or constipation. They further that there are four types of IBS, namely, IBS that includes constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), the mixed one (IBS-M), or IBS that does not fit with any of the mentioned condition (IBS-U).

The National Health Service (NHS) also added that it is usually a lifelong problem, and there is no known cure for the condition. They further that the cause is still unknown; however, with the researcher's discovery, the condition's potential cause is identified.

Methods and results of the study

The researchers note that for them to detect the bacteria linked to IBS (Brachyspira), fecal samples have undergone analyses that, according to the researchers, are routinely used for studying the gut flora are insufficient. Therefore, the researchers examined bacterial proteins in mucus from biopsies, which are from the intestine.

The first author of the study, Karolina Sjöberg Jabbar, said in the release that Brachyspira is in direct contact with the cells and covers their surface, unlike most of the other gut bacteria. She added that she was surprised when they found Brachyspira in more IBS patients but not in healthy individuals.

According to the release, the researchers were able to justify that the said bacterium was found in the intestines among 19 of the 62 patients with IBS, whilst no presence of the Bachyspira was detected on any of the 19 healthy volunteers. The professor of gastroenterology from the University of Gothenburg and a senior consultant from Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Magnus Simrén, said in the release that they want to see whether the results can be confirmed in a larger study and they also wish to investigate if Brachyspira is the cause of IBS and how it manifests. He also furthers in the release that their research findings may be an avenue for new opportunities in treating some patients' conditions, specifically those with diarrhea.

Possible Treatment

Jabbar said in the release that the said bacterium is hiding inside intestinal goblet cells that excrete mucus, which is an unknown way for bacteria to survive antibiotics. She added that the connection of Brachyspira and IBS could be confirmed in more extensive studies. Probiotics and antibiotic regimens may become the medication in the future.

She also said that the patients with the said bacterium have a gut irritation that looks like an allergic response. Making allergy medications or dietary changes also turn out to be a treatment for IBS.

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