BSc Biomedical Science - Clinical Immunology: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

Overview of IBD

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an autoimmune condition.
• Characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
• Two major types:
  • Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
  • Crohn's Disease (CD)

Clinical Presentation of IBD

• Age at onset more common in young adults (15-30 years).
• Symptoms include:
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Complications: rectal bleeding and skin ulcers.

Global Burden of IBD

• Millions affected worldwide; significant rise in diagnoses over recent years.
• No permanent cure available, impacting quality of life.

Causes and Immunopathology

• Gut microbiota dysbiosis can trigger IBD. Environmental factors include:
  • Antibiotics
  • Stress
  • Diet and food additives
• Genetic factors: NOD2 polymorphism associated with CD.

Immune Response in IBD

• Innate immunity: Increased infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages in mucosa.
• Adaptive immunity: Imbalance in T-cell populations can exacerbate inflammation.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis can be complex due to symptom overlap with other GI disorders.
• Current methods:
  • Faecal calprotectin (marker for inflammation)
  • Serum tests (C-Reactive Protein)
  • Endoscopy to assess extent of damage

Therapy

• Current treatments include:
  • Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., aminosalicylates)
  • Immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., methotrexate)
  • Surgery (colectomy or strictureplasty) when needed.
• Potential future therapies:
  • Targeting inflammatory pathways and microbiota.