Ever had food poisoning? Why YOU could be more at risk of Crohn's disease

  • Gastroenteritis increases levels of adherent-invasive E. coli in the stomach
  • But even after the food poisoning had been cured - levels remained high 
  • This caused inflammation and severe symptoms of Crohn's disease in mice
  • Sufferers of the condition are known to have high levels of the bacteria 

By Stephen Matthews For Mailonline

Published: 07:13 EST, 10 October 2016 | Updated: 11:40 EST, 10 October 2016

Many of us have experienced the ill effects of food poisoning, our heads buried in the toilet for what seems like eternity.

But now scientists claim undercooked food could have more severe implications on your body than just vomiting and diarrhoea.

Those who retain a bacteria in their gut after a bout of food poisoning are at higher risk of developing Crohn's disease, experts found.

Gastroenteritis caused by contaminated food increases levels of adherent-invasive E. coli (AIEC) in the gut.

Those who retain adherent-invasive E. coli after a bout of food poisoning are at higher risk of developing Crohn's disease, experts found

Sufferers of the debilitating bowel condition are known to have much higher levels of the bacteria in their system.

But even after the food poisoning had been cured - levels of AIEC remained high and led to symptoms of the condition in mice. 

Researchers from McMaster University, Hamilton, used mice to determine the link between food poisoning and Crohn's disease.

They found acute infectious gastroenteritis - caused by common food-poising bacteria - accelerates the growth of AIEC.

Even after the mice had eliminated the bacteria, researchers noted increased levels of AIEC in their gut.

Even after the food poisoning had been cured - levels of the bacteria remained high and led to symptoms of the condition in mice

Even after the food poisoning had been cured - levels of the bacteria remained high and led to symptoms of the condition in mice

This led to worsened bowel inflammation and more severe symptoms over a long period of time. 

Study author Brian Coombes said: 'This is a lifelong disease that often strikes people in their early years, leading to decades of suffering, an increased risk of colorectal cancer, and an increased risk of premature death.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CROHN'S DISEASE? 

The symptoms of Crohn's disease vary, depending on which part of the digestive system is inflamed.

Common symptoms include:

  • recurring diarrhoea
  • abdominal pain and cramping, which is usually worse after eating
  • extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • unintended weight loss
  • blood and mucus in the faeces (stools)

Less common symptoms include a high temperature, nausea and vomiting, joint pain and swelling, irritation of the eyes, areas of painful and swollen skin, and mouth ulcers.

Some people experience severe symptoms, but others only have mild problems. 

Source: NHS Choices  

'We need to understand the root origins of this disease and to use this information to invigorate a new pipeline of treatments and preventions. It has never been more pressing.'

He said new tools should be developed to help identify those with high levels of AIEC to determine their risk level of developing Crohn's disease.  

The study was published in the journal PLOS Pathogens.  

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive system which affects millions of people worldwide.

Its cause is still not known and there is currently no cure but some with the condition have considered their diet to be a factor.

Bacteria is already known to play a major role in causing Crohn’s disease, in addition to genetics and diet.

This comes after fungus in the intestines was found to be a potential trigger for the development of the disease, scientists discovered. 

Candida tropicalis works alongside two other bacteria to cause the debilitating bowel condition, experts found.

It fuses together with E. coli and S. marcescens to produce a layer of microorganisms in the intestines which can cause symptoms of Crohn’s disease. 

Comments (31)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now