I have ulcerative colitis, which is a disease that falls under the category of IBD. My story is similar to many other IBD testimonials. I was a perfectly healthy young individual who contracted a severe infection that landed me in the hospital. I was treated with antibiotics and steroids, and made a full recovery. After a follow up colonoscopy, I was diagnosed with IBD.

I had an idea, albeit without any real proof, that my disease was onset by my infection by somehow "reprogramming" my immune system. This was how I rationalised going from a healthy to diseased status so rapidly. That idea trivialises much of what goes on behind the scenes in our bodies, but it seems to be more or less what this research is pointing towards.