Archive · 24 Dec 2025
Loss Of Good Gut Bacteria Linked To Inflammatory Bowel Disease Onset
Scientists found that when good gut bacteria, which help digest food, disappear, it might cause a sickness called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Instead of these helpful bacteria, they saw more bacteria that like oxygen and usually live in the mouth moving into the gut.
This change might start the inflammation that causes IBD.
The study looked at over 1,700 people from many countries and found that this happens at the very beginning of the disease.
The researchers think this could help doctors find IBD earlier and create new treatments.
They also noticed that the types of bacteria in the gut can be different depending on where people live, which is important for future research.
Loss of beneficial gut bacteria linked to the onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Increase in oxygen-tolerant bacteria from the mouth may trigger gut inflammation.
Study involved over 1,700 children and adults across 11 countries.
Findings support the 'oxygen hypothesis', suggesting increased oxygen in the gut lining disrupts microbiome balance.
Research highlights the need for global data and standardized methods in microbiome studies.
- Who
- Researchers led by Dr. Peter Rimmer from the University of Birmingham
- What
- Loss of beneficial gut bacteria linked to the onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- When
- The study analyzed data from previously published studies, with findings published in the journal Gastroenterology
- Where
- The study involved participants from 11 countries
- Why
- To understand the role of gut bacteria in the onset of IBD and to explore potential new treatments and earlier diagnosis methods
- Study Focus
- Loss of beneficial gut bacteria and increase in oxygen-tolerant bacteria
- Key Finding
- Changes in gut oxygen levels and bacterial migration may trigger IBD
- Study Size
- Over 1,700 children and adults across 11 countries
- IBD Types Studied
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
- Journal
- Gastroenterology
- Lead Author
- Dr. Peter Rimmer, University of Birmingham
- Oxygen Hypothesis
- Increased oxygen in gut lining disrupts microbiome balance