Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Other Intestinal Disorders

Abstract

Gut microbiota is the largest organ of the human body. Although growth of bacteria more than 10⁵ colony forming unit (CFU) per milliliter in culture of upper gut aspirate is used to diagnosis small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), 10³ CFU or more is being considered to suggest the diagnosis, particularly if colonic type bacteria are present in the upper gut. Although neither very sensitive nor specific, hydrogen breath tests are widely used to diagnose SIBO. Rifaximin is the best treatment for SIBO due to its broad spectrum, lack of systemic absorption, and safety profile.

Keywords: Gut microbiota; Hydrogen breath tests; Malabsorption syndrome; Rifaximin; Tropical sprue.