Tracking Anti-cytolethal Distending Toxin B and Anti-vinculin Over Time and Their Roles in Symptoms
摘要
Antibodies targeting bacterial cytolethal distending toxin subunit B (CdtB) and vinculin are diagnostic of post-infection irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this study, we explored the temporal behavior of anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin antibodies and potential relationships to IBS symptoms. The potential impacts of antibody reduction therapies were also assessed.
MethodsA retrospective chart review of 417 IBS patients who had been tested for anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin antibodies was performed. Anti-vinculin and anti-CdtB antibody levels, time to normalization of antibody levels, and IBS symptoms’ burdens and changes were assessed. Use of antibody-depleting therapies (intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIG] or plasmapheresis exchange [PLEX]) vs. usual management was also recorded.
Results158 subjects (38.5%) were positive for either anti-CdtB or anti-vinculin. In subjects with multiple tests (total N = 38), normalization of anti-vinculin levels over time correlated with improvements in IBS symptoms (p = 0.020). Plasmapheresis (PLEX) or intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) treatments were associated with greater antibody normalization than usual management (p = 0.046).
ConclusionsAnti-CdtB and anti-vinculin antibodies are common in post-infection IBS, and anti-vinculin levels may correlate with severity of IBS symptoms.