Editorial: bugs and drugs: insights into the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

The dysbiosis hypothesis posits that perturbations in the gut microbiome may contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A recent Canadian population-based study has shown an association between new-onset IBD and antibiotic use in the 2-5 years preceding diagnosis. Though these findings do not establish a causal relationship, it supports the role of dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of IBD. Furthermore, the study reinforces the importance of the judicious use of antibiotics.