IMPORTANCE OF SMALL INTESTINAL BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH (SIBO)IN THE ETIOPATHOGENESIS OF CHRONIC DISEASES

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition characterized by the abnormal proliferation of commensal or pathogenic microorganisms within the small intestine. There is increasing evidence that SIBO plays a significant role in the development of various chronic diseases, including systemic autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes and neurodegenerative conditions. Dysbiosis in the small intestine can disrupt the integrity of the mucosal barrier, induce chronic low-grade inflammation, alter intestinal motility and modulate immune responses. This can contribute to systemic pathologies. Furthermore, SIBO may exacerbate nutrient malabsorption, leading to deficiencies that can accelerate disease progression. Understanding the mechanistic links between SIBO and chronic diseases is essential for developing targeted therapeutic strategies, including antibiotic treatment and dietary interventions. This review critically examines the role of SIBO in the pathophysiological continuum of chronic diseases, emphasizing the need for greater clinical awareness and more robust diagnostic and therapeutic protocols.