The interaction of adherent invasive Escherichia coli with intestinal epithelial cells, in vitro derived M-cells and macrophages

The initial lesions observed in Crohn's disease typically occur over lymphoid aggregates in tne large bowel and Heyers patches in the small bowel where M-cells are present. An increased presence of Adherent and Invasive Escherichia coli (AlEC) has been reported in Crohn's disease mucosa. Crohn's disease is common in westernised countries where low levels of soluble fibre are eaten and where the use of emulsifiers in processed food is common. It is possible that dietary factors may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. The aims of this work were to establish if AIEC interact with intestinal M-cells, and to establish the effect that dietary factors have on these interactions.