Normal Bacterial Populations of the Intestine and Their Relation to Intestinal Function

Abstract

MalabsorptionThe Blind-Loop SyndromeAbnormal intestinal function has been observed in a number of conditions characterized by excessive proliferation of bacteria within the lumen of the small bowel. In this so-called "blind-loop syndrome" macrocytic anemia, vitamin B₁₂ malabsorption and steatorrhea are associated with small-bowel abnormalities conducive to localized stasis of intestinal contents. The major clinical and pathological features of the syndrome were documented in 1939 by Barker and Hummel,¹⁸⁰ and the subject has more recently been extensively reviewed from several points of view.^{105,133, 181 182 183} Surgical blind loops, strictures, enteroenterostomies, fistulas and diverticula involving the small intestine may all be associated . . .