What role do antibiotics have in the treatment of IBD

The use of antibiotics in patients with active, uncomplicated IBD is controversial. Clinical studies in patients with Crohn's disease have been small and yielded uncertain results, which have discouraged clinicians from including antibiotics in the therapeutic armamentarium for this disease. The author of this Viewpoint article discusses the available evidence for the use of antibiotics in IBD, and outlines possible mechanisms of action.