Post-infectious IBS across Europe: First results from a web-based survey

The prevalence of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) among IBS patients is current unknown.

Methods: A web-based survey for IBS patients to report the mode of onset of their IBS symptoms and the evolution of symptoms was performed. So far (October 2009) we have 1170 IBS patients registered (n=482 recruited via passwords of the participating physician, 687 self-selected via the internet), 70% met Rome III criteria for IBS, 68% females from 34 countries including 14 European, 9 South American, 3 North American, 2 African and 3 Australasian countries.

Results: The average age was 39 (SD 33.0) years. As expected from an internet survey the subjects were mostly well educated, urban and middle class. 213 (18%) met criteria for PI-IBS (sudden onset: n=114; onset while travelling: n=66; onset after acute illness with 2 or more of: fever (n=117), diarrhoea (n=171), vomiting (n=108) or positive stool culture (n=46)). Living conditions (living on a farm, >1 toilet per family, sharing a bed with a sibling during childhood, and hot running water) were similar between both groups, but females were more likely to report PI-IBS (75% versus 67%, p=0.033; OR: 1.39), and a significantly higher prevalence was found for northern (European) countries (p=0.02). PI-IBS patients were more likely to report loose stools (p=0.004). A past history of anxiety or depression, and acute scores for anxiety and depression on the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale were not different between but increased in both subgroups. The total symptom burden was, however significantly higher (p=0.001) in PI-IBS patients compared to non PI-IBS.

Conclusion: Our survey suggests that an internet-based assessment of PI-IBS is feasible and that PI-IBS occurs throughout the world. PI-IBS patients are more likely to be female. (Supported by a grant from the United European Gastroenterology Federation)