Role of Cytolethal Distending Toxin in Altered Stool Form and Bowel Phenotypes in a Rat Model of Post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Background/aims: Campylobacter jejuni infection is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis, which is a trigger for post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). Cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) is expressed by enteric pathogens that cause PI-IBS. We used a rat model of PI-IBS to investigate the role of CDT in long-term altered stool form and bowel phenotypes.

Evaluating breath methane as a diagnostic test for constipation-predominant IBS.

Studies suggest that subjects with IBS have altered gut flora. Among these findings, methane production is more commonly associated with constipation-predominant symptoms. In this study, we prospectively evaluated the role of methane as a diagnostic test.

A systematic review of diagnostic tests for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Background: A growing number of studies seem to suggest that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common clinical problem. Although various techniques are available to make this diagnosis, tradition has accepted small bowel aspirate (>10(5) cfu/ml) as a gold standard. In this systematic review, the validity of culture and other diagnostic testing for SIBO is evaluated.

The role of radiologic studies in the diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia.

Viktor E. Eysselein, MD, and colleagues provide a brief overview of acute arterial, venous, and colonic ischemia.