Pro-Inflammatory Commensal Bacteria Linked to Colorectal Cancer

Nontoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis strains enriched for genes associated with lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis can induce mucosal inflammation in the colon, initiating early neoplasia.

The link between gut inflammation and neoplasia involves enterotoxigenic strains of Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) in the microbiome that harbor the B. fragilis toxin gene, which induces pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the possible role of nontoxigenic B. fragilis (NTBF) strains in the development of colon polyps is unclear. Kordahi and colleagues examined the histology, mucosal microbiota, and molecular signatures in biopsy samples from 40 patients (age range, 40–75) undergoing routine colonoscopies. Evaluable specimens were polyp-free (PF) or had tubular adenomatous polyps (TAP) or sessile serrated polyps (SSP).

Cytokine studies revealed higher concentrations of a pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-12p40) in TAP and SSP tissues and higher con…

Reviewing Author

George Sakoulas, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardParatek Pharmaceuticals; Nestle Corp.; AbbVie; Shionogi

Speaker’s BureauAllergan/AbbVie; Paratek Pharmaceuticals; Nestle Corp.

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy; Open Forum Infectious Diseases