Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth prevalence in celiac disease patients is similar in healthy subjects and lower in irritable bowel syndrome patients

Abstract

Background: Untreated celiac disease has traditionally been linked to a greater risk for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, but the existing evidence is inconclusive.

Aims: To compare the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in subjects with celiac disease compared with control subjects and patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Material and methods: The study included 15 untreated celiac disease patients, 15 subjects with irritable bowel syndrome, and 15 healthy controls. All enrolled patients underwent a lactulose breath test measuring hydrogen and methane. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was defined according to previously published criteria.

Results: No differences were found in relation to age or sex. The prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was similar between the celiac disease patients and the controls (20 vs. 13.33%, P=NS), whereas it was higher in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (66.66%, P<05).

Conclusion: There was no difference in the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth between the untreated celiac disease patients and healthy controls.

Keywords: Celiac disease; Enfermedad celíaca; Irritable bowel syndrome; Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth; Sobrecrecimiento bacteriano; Síndrome de intestino irritable.