Infectious Mimics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Distinguishing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from its mimics remains a diagnostic challenge for surgical pathologists. Several gastrointestinal infections produce inflammatory patterns that overlap with typical findings of IBD. Although stool culture, PCR, and other clinical assays may identify infectious enterocolitides, these tests may not be performed or the results may be unavailable at the time of histologic evaluation. Furthermore, some clinical tests, including stool PCR, may reflect past exposure rather than an ongoing infection. It is important for surgical pathologists to be knowl-edgeable about infections that simulate IBD to generate an accurate differential diagnosis, perform appropriate ancillary studies, and prompt clinical follow-up. This review covers bacterial, fungal, and protozoal infections in the differential diagnosis of IBD.& COPY; 2023 United States & Canadian Academy of Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Distinguishing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from its mimics is challenging for surgical pathologists due to overlapping inflammatory patterns produced by several gastrointestinal infections. Clinical tests may not always be available or reflect ongoing infections. Therefore, surgical pathologists should be knowledgeable about infectious mimics of IBD to generate accurate diagnoses and guide clinical follow-up. This review focuses on bacterial, fungal, and protozoal infections in the differential diagnosis of IBD.