Gut Virome: What's the Role in Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

2025-11
Reviews in medical virology 35(6)

PubMed: 41296916
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.70080

Study Design

Type: Review
Methods: This review summarises current knowledge on virome alterations in IBS and emphasises the role of bacteriophages in shaping microbial ecology and host responses.

The gut virome, an integral but still poorly understood component of the gut microbiota, is emerging as an important player in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Recent evidence suggests that alterations in virome diversity and phage-bacteria interactions contribute to gut dysbiosis, immune modulation and gut barrier dysfunction in IBS. This review summarises current knowledge on virome alterations in IBS and emphasises the role of bacteriophages in shaping microbial ecology and host responses. Different virome signatures in the different subtypes of IBS highlight the potential of the virome for disease stratification and personalised therapeutic strategies. In addition, we discuss the analytical challenges in virome research and explore novel virome-targeted interventions, including phage therapy and dietary modulation. A deeper understanding of virome dynamics in the gut could open new avenues for precision medicine approaches to treat IBS.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus brevis Lbr-35	—	Improved Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Different virome signatures in the different subtypes of IBS highlight the potential of the virome for disease stratification and personalised therapeutic strategies.