Challenges in the management of inflammatory bowel disease in sub-Saharan Africa.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is generally considered a disease of high-income countries and is regarded as rare in sub-Saharan Africa. However, this assumption is almost certainly an underestimate, and the high burden of communicable diseases makes IBD in sub-Saharan Africa difficult to detect. Furthermore, some gastrointestinal infections can closely mimic IBD, contributing to delays in diagnosis and complicating therapeutic decision making.

South African Society of Clinical Microbiology infection diagnosis, management and infection prevention and control guideline.

infection (CDI) is a problem in both developed and developing countries and is a common hospital-acquired infection. This guideline provides evidence-based practical recommendations for South Africa and other developing countries. The scope of the guideline includes CDI diagnostic approaches; adult, paediatric and special populations treatment options; and surveillance and infection prevention and control recommendations.

Short chain fatty acids and monocarboxylate transporters in irritable bowel syndrome.

Background/aims: Gut microbiota ferments indigestible food that rests in the colon to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Colonic SCFA stimulate the synthesis of serotonin which is central in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathophysiology. Reduced SCFA have been linked to specific IBS symptoms like colonic hyperalgesia and hypersensitivity.

-Catenin Regulation in Sporadic Colorectal Carcinogenesis: Not as Simple as APC.

Background: The wnt/APC/-catenin pathway is a critical initiator in colorectal carcinogenesis in both hereditary and sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC). The progression of this process remains incompletely understood, although inflammation is pivotal. Drivers of inflammation are elevated in malignant tissue and have been shown to regulate -catenin expression.

Randomized clinical trial: effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 299 v on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common diagnosis in gastroenterology. Its etiology is unknown and therapeutic options limited. Trials suggest probiotics may be beneficial.