title: The contaminated small bowel syndrome.
abstract: Contamination of the small bowel with an abnormal microflora causes a variety of disturbances of intraluminal digestion and of mucosal function resulting in malabsorption of fat, protein, carbohydrate, electrolytes and vitamin B12. Indirect clinical tests for the presence of small bowel bacterial overgrowth must be supported by careful roentgenologic examination of the small intestine and intestinal aspiration studies to establish a firm pretreatment diagnosis. However, the reversal of absorptive defects by antibacterial therapy is valuable confirmatory evidence.
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D001944:Breath Tests; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000378:metabolism; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000378:metabolism; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000382:microbiology*; D008286:Malabsorption Syndromes / Q000209:etiology*; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000378:metabolism; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D014805:Vitamin B 12