Is there an association between infection and irritable bowel syndrome? A meta-analysis.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent and debilitating gastrointestinal condition. Research has reported persistent, low-grade mucosal inflammation and significant overlaps between patients with IBS and those with dyspepsia, suggesting a possible pathogenic role of () in IBS. This study therefore aimed to provide the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between infection and IBS.