Intestinal microflora as a therapeutic target in inflammatory bowel disease.

Although the causes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain incompletely understood, increasing evidence implicates intestinal microflora in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Alteration of intestinal flora therefore may offer a plausible therapeutic approach. Although recent data support a potential therapeutic role for probiotics and prebiotics in patients with IBD, such treatments need to be further assessed by large, double-blind controlled trials. A better understanding of the intestinal microflora and the mechanisms of their action may help us to develop more effective treatment for IBD.