The Microbiome in IBD

Abstract

In individuals with IBD, the microbiome occupies an integral juncture between their genetics and disease profile and may participate to the manifestations of the disease and the severity of its course. This chapter will highlight major microbiome research studies showing the pathobionts and symbionts in the human micro-biome associated with IBD. It will also include a brief outline of various bacterial, viral and fungal sequencing techniques, including 16S rRNA and hiSeQ, along with a post-processing interpretation of the data to arrive at potential biomarkers of IBD. It will also cover the major microbial signatures found in association with IBD, including postoperative recurrence of Crohn's and the occurrence of pouchitis.