The cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown. Infection by certain bacteria, such as strains of mycobacterium, may be the cause of Crohn’s disease Some scientists suspect that. To date, however, there has been no convincing evidence that the disease is caused by infection. Crohn’s disease is not contagious. In patients with Crohn’s disease Although diet may affect the symptoms, it is unlikely that diet is responsible for the disease.
In the intestines appears to be important in IBD Activation of the immune system. The immune system is composed of immune cells and the proteins that these immune cells produce. These cells and proteins defend the body against harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other foreign invaders normally. Activation of the immune system causes inflammation within the tissues where the activation occurs. (Inflammation is an important mechanism of defense used by the immune system.)
The immune system is activated only when the body is exposed to harmful invaders normally. In patients with IBD, however, the immune system is abnormally and chronically activated in the absence of any known invader. The continued abnormal activation of the immune system results in chronic inflammation and ulceration.
The susceptibility to abnormal activation of the immune system is genetically inherited. Thus, first degree relatives (brothers, sisters, children, and parents) of patients with IBD are more likely to develop these diseases. Recently a gene called NOD2 has been identified as being associated with Crohn’s disease. In determining how the body responds to some bacterial products To developing Crohn’s disease this gene is important. Individuals with mutations in this gene are more susceptible.
