Intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Alternative names:

afferent loop syndrome; bacterial overgrowth - intestine; gastrojejunal loop obstruction; overgrowth - intestinal bacteria; post gastrectomy syndrome; stagnant loop

Definition:

Intestinal bacterial overgrowth occurs when the normal bacterial population of the gut has been eradicated with antibiotics. Other bacteria not normally found in the intestine take the place of the normal bacteria. Abnormal bacteria can cause disease in the bowel including necrotizing enterocolitis and pseudomembranous colitis.