Manipulation of the bacterial flora in inflammatory bowel disease

In this chapter we summarize the clinical and experimental data which indicate that bacteria, especially from the endogenous microflora, play a role in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and pouchitis. We review the clinical trials, focusing on randomized controlled trials which used antibiotics or probiotics to treat situations of IBD or prevent recurrence, and we discuss the future of this approach.