Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome

Synonyms

Blind loop syndrome; Small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) syndrome; Stasis syndrome

Definition

SIBO occurs when small bowel motility is altered under conditions causing luminal stasis and colonization of the normal microfloral bacteria in the lumen resulting in mucosal damage and malabsorption. Regardless of the underlying cause, SIBO is a very heterogeneous syndrome characterized by the presence of an increased number and/or abnormal type of bacteria normally confined to the colon, within the small intestine. Normally, small intestinal lumen is colonized by facultative anaerobe or obligate bacteria, particularly bacteroides species, which are predominantly found in the distal ileum, while proximal small intestinal mucosa is usually colonized by bacteria ingested with food. Bacteria in SIBO might significantly interfere with enzymatic, absorptive, and metabolic actions of the small intestinal mucosa. Any condition causing disruption of intestinal luminal flow including...