The Relationship between Chronic Chlamydial Infection and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Overview

Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that is characterised by abdominal pain and disturbed bowel function in the absence of other detectable disease. In Australia, IBS is a major health-care problem and it is estimated that 15% of adults over 20 years of age suffer from IBS to some degree. The impact on women's health is of particular importance with 2 in 3 IBS sufferers being female.

The exact causes of IBS are not known, however a recent study has suggested that chronic infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is strongly connected to enduring severe IBS. Chlamydia is an obligate intracellular bacterium and a significant cause of disease in humans and animals. C. trachomatis serovars D-K are sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) and are the leading cause of STI in Australia. While most infections are asymptomatic, chronic infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, the consequences of which can end in female infertility.

If chronic infection of C. trachomatis is proven to have a causal role in the onset of long-term and severe IBS, this could have a major impact on the treatment of patients with infectious (and post-infectious) IBS. In the current study, we will perform a comprehensive and independent molecular analysis of tissue samples from patients with IBS to characterise the relationship between chlamydial infection and this important disease.

Hypothesis

The presence of chlamydial DNA and antigens in the gastrointestinal tract mucosa are strongly associated with IBS symptoms in women.

  • Aim 1: Detection of chlamydial antigens in IBS biopsy samples
  • Aim 2: PCR based screening of biopsy samples for the presence of chlamydial DNA
  • Aim 3: Ultrastructural analysis of chlamydial infections of enteroendocrine cells in IBS
    patients

Methods and techniques that will be developed in the course of this project:

  • DNA extraction, PCR amplification and DNA sequencing
  • Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence
  • Transmission electron microscopy
Study level
Honours
Supervisors
QUT
Organisational unit

Science and Engineering Faculty

Research area

Cell and Molecular Biosciences

Contact
Please contact the supervisor.