Informed Therapeutic Microbiome Modulation for Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Pilot Experience of a Microbiome Clinic

Nutrients 2026 Open access

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Authors: William G. Fusco, Flavio De Maio, Serena Porcari, Andrea Severino, Daniele Salvi, Stefania Piccirelli, Clarissa Ferrari, Antonio Sibilla, Gianluca Quaranta, Luca Masucci, Giovanni Cammarota, Maurizio Sanguinetti
+2 more Antonio Gasbarrini, Gianluca Ianiro
DOI: 10.3390/nu18030490
Cited by: 1
References: 21

Abstract

Background: Untargeted microbiome modulation has achieved conflicting results in post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). Methods: In a case–control study of PI-IBS patients, cases received targeted microbial modulation informed by microbiome profiling, while controls were managed by standard therapy. Treatment response was defined as a decrease in IBS-symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS) ≥50 points. Results: All thirteen cases (100%) and 11/20 controls (55%) experienced treatment response (p < 0.0001). The mean IBS-SSS score after treatments was 163 in cases and 231 in controls (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Based on our preliminary results, therapeutic microbiome modulation might be a promising strategy for PI-IBS. Further studies are needed to clarify its role.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Gastrointestinal motility and disorders Gut microbiota and health Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research

Publication details

Journal / source
Nutrients
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
18
Issue
3
Pages
490–490
Publication date
2 February 2026
Language
EN