IBD is emerging as a worldwide epidemic. Patients with IBD often have an abnormal gut microbiota; however, it is unknown whether this feature is a cause or a consequence of disease. In this article, Francisco Guarner and colleagues review our current knowledge of the human gut microbiota, describe changes observed in patients with IBD and discuss whether such changes might explain the pathophysiological characteristics of IBD.
- Chaysavanh Manichanh
- Natalia Borruel
- Francisco Guarner
