Role of adherent and invasive Escherichia coli in Crohn’s disease: lessons from the postoperative recurrence model

ObjectiveWe used the postoperative recurrence model to better understand the role of adherent and invasiveEscherichia coli(AIEC) bacteria in Crohn’s disease (CD), taking advantage of a well-characterised postoperative cohort.DesignFrom a prospective, multicentre cohort of operated patients with CD, AIEC identification was performed within the surgical specimen (M0) (N=181 patients) and the neoterminal ileum (n=119 patients/181) during colonoscopy performed 6 months after surgery (M6). Endoscopic postoperative recurrence was graded using Rutgeerts’ index. The mucosa-associated microbiota was analysed by 16S sequencing at M0 and M6. Relative risks or ORs were adjusted on potential confounders.ResultsAIEC prevalence was twofold higher within the neoterminal ileum at M6 (30.3%) than within the surgical specimen (14.9%) (pRuminococcus gnavus.ConclusionBased on the postoperative recurrence model, our data support the idea that AIEC are involved in the early steps of ileal CD.Trial registration numberNCT03458195.