The Microbiome in Crohn's Disease: Role in Pathogenesis and Role of Microbiome Replacement Therapies

Abstract

Individuals with a genetic predisposition to Crohn's disease develop aberrant immune responses to environmental triggers. The gastrointestinal microbiota is increasingly recognized to play an important role in the development of Crohn's disease. Decrease in global gut microbial diversity and specific bacterial alterations have been implicated in Crohn's disease. Advances in sequencing techniques and bioinformatics and correlation with host genetics continue to improve insight into the structure and function of the microbial community and interactions with the host immune system. This article summarizes the existing literature on the role of the gut microbiome and its manipulation in the development and management of Crohn's disease.

Keywords: Crohn's disease; Fecal microbiota transplantation; Gut microbiota; Inflammatory bowel disease; Microbiome; Pathogenesis; Probiotics.