Publication: P019 Host-Enterobacteriaceae interactions and mitochondrial dysfunction in Crohn’s colitis

Background: Crohn’s disease (CD) is characterized by chronic gastrointestinal inflammation and unfavourable changes in the composition of intestinal microbiota (‘dysbiosis’). Members of Enterobacteriaceae such as K. pneumoniae and E. coli are often over-represented in colonic mucosa of CD patients. These bacteria contribute to vicious circle of dysbiosis and inflammation by expressing multiple virulence factors. Further, mitochondrial dysfunction in Paneth cells has recently been reported in ileal CD. In agreement, high-fat diet and repeated use of antibiotics increases susceptibility to colitis by damaging mitochondria. However, it remains unknown whether impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics could enhance mucosal colonization by Enterobacteriaceae and thus, contribute to the pathophysiology of colonic CD. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism leading to mitochondrial damage in colonic CD are incompletely understood.