Postinfectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome

After acute bacterial gastroenteritis, up to one-third of patients will have prolonged gastrointestinal complaints, and a portion of those affected will meet the diagnostic criteria for postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome. After resolution of the acute infection, patients with postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome appear to have chronic mucosal immunologic dysregulation with altered intestinal permeability and motility that can lead to persistent intestinal symptoms. Both host- and pathogen-related factors, such as preexisting psychological disorders and duration of initial infection, have been associated with an increased risk for the development of postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome. Current treatments for postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome are typically targeted at specific symptoms, although studies evaluating therapies directed at preventing or reducing the duration of the initial infection are ongoing.