Possible causes
From Inflammatory Bowel Disease
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[edit] Possible Causes
Though there is no concrete evidence as to the cause of inflammatory bowel disease, there are several theories.
[edit] Genetics
The most prevalent as well as most likely cause of this disease is genetics. Specifically the NOD2 gene on the 16th chromosome. This receptor gene has been pinpointed as one of the common denominators among people with inflammatory bowel disease. Supporting this theory is the high rate of diagnosis among Ashkenazi Jews (eastern European). However there are many scenarios that are not completely in compliance with this idea.
[edit] Environmental Causes
IBD only arises in developed countries, as well as only in temperate climates. The northeastern United States has the highest density of people diagnosed with this disease as well. These statements have led people to believe that the disease is also somewhat environmentally based.
[edit] Mycobacterium Theory
For a while it was believed that the disease was caused by mycobacterium. This theory was believed due to similarities of Johne's disease and Crohn's disease. Johne's disease is similar to Crohn's disease in symptoms, but was only seen in English cattle. Johne's disease was found to be caused by mycobacterium in the region. This theory has since been disproved however.
