ABSTRACT
The etiology and pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD) remains an enigma despite extensive worldwide research. Treabnent for this disabling illness remains largely empirical based on well-designed clinical trials and physician experience. Several classes of pharmacological agents are the mainstay of medical therapy: sulfasalazine or its 5-aminosalicylate derivatives, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive agents. Because an infectious cause of CD has long been postulated, antibiotics are prescribed in an attempt to improve clinical outcome. Broad-spectrum antibiotics held promise as evidenced by Ursing and Kamme's 1975 report of a positive response in CD patients treated with metronidazole (1). Although uncontrolled, the study stimulated interest in the therapeutic role of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of CD.
