Etiological role of mycobacterium in Crohn's disease: An assessment of the literature.

A possible etiologic role for mycobacteria in Crohn's disease has been the subject of much investigation. This paper critically reviews the literature exploring 4 major areas: (1) attempts to culture mycobacteria from intestinal specimens; (2) indirect detection of organisms in intestinal specimens by techniques including immunohistochemistry, nucleic acid hybridization and polymerase chain reaction; (3) detection of serum antibodies to mycobacteria, and (4) results of antimycobacterial drug trials in treating patients with Crohn's disease. While the evidence does not support an etiologic role for mycobacteria in Crohn's disease, newer techniques may change this conclusion.