Exploring the impact of probiotics on gut microbiota composition and diversity in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of IBS, and emerging evidence suggests that probiotics may offer a promising therapeutic approach. This thesis aimed to explore the impact of probiotics on gut microbiota composition and diversity in individuals with IBS. Chapter One provides the introduction to the study, highlighting the background of the research, the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review covering ten key areas related to probiotics, gut microbiota, IBS pathophysiology, and the potential mechanisms by which probiotics may modulate gut microbiota composition and diversity in IBS patients. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, including study design, participant recruitment criteria, probiotic intervention protocols, sample collection and processing methods, as well as statistical analysis techniques. This chapter also details the ethical considerations and potential biases that may impact the study outcomes. Chapter Four presents a detailed discussion of the findings, including the effects of probiotics on gut microbiota composition and diversity in individuals with IBS. The results are analyzed in the context of existing literature, highlighting any significant changes observed in the gut microbiota profiles of IBS patients following probiotic intervention. The implications of these findings for IBS management and future research directions are also discussed. Finally, Chapter Five provides a comprehensive conclusion and summary of the thesis, summarizing the key findings, discussing their implications, and offering recommendations for future research and clinical practice. The study findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the potential benefits of probiotics in modulating gut microbiota composition and diversity in individuals with IBS, paving the way for the development of targeted probiotic therapies for this complex gastrointestinal disorder.