Dybiosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cross-Sectional Approach

The cause of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is not yet known.  It has been speculated that variation in the bacterial composition of the colon may play a key role in the development of disease.  Patients in this study will undergo a colonoscopy (as clinically indicated and prescribed) or flexible sigmoidoscopy during which time tiny tissue samples called biopsies will be collected.  These samples will be sent to a laboratory where bacteria will be isolated and identified.  Comparisons will then be made to evaluate any differences between the bacteria found in healthy persons versus persons with disease.  Participants will also fill out several symptom and diet history questionnaires and receive study related blood work at no charge.  This study requires four visits over a period of 14 days. 

The study is recruiting three groups: Active Disease, New Disease and Healthy Controls. To participate in this study, all participants must:

• Be a non-smoker or have no change in smoking habits in the past month
• Be born and raised in the United States
• Have a stable weight with stable dietary habits over the last year
• Be of a healthy weight

Additionally, the following criterion applies for each group:

For the Active Disease group, patients must:

• Have documented Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease
• Have chronic active Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) for at least 2 weeks

For the New Disease Group, patients must:

• Have symptoms of intermittent recurrent bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain or weight loss

For the Healthy Controls Group, patients must:

• Be undergoing a routine colon cancer screening or being evaluated for rectal bleeding

For more information or to participate in the study, please call the contact provided.