IBS after COVID-19: how SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to irritable bowel syndrome
Official title: Determining the Incidence, Risk Factors and Biological Drivers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as Part of the Constellation of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC) Outcomes
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11375083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores whether people who had SARS-CoV-2 infection may develop IBS and what factors raise that risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $652,015 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135483-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11375083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection and are participants in the Arizona CoVHORT cohort.
✕Less likely to help
People who have never had COVID-19 or who do not develop post-infection GI symptoms may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
If you’ve had a SARS-CoV-2 infection, researchers will follow participants to see who develops IBS symptoms and what biological signals might be linked. The study uses the Arizona CoVHORT platform to track GI symptoms over time and identify potential triggers and pathways. It aims to map risk factors and underlying biology that connect COVID-19 to post-infection gut problems. Results could help doctors recognize IBS earlier and tailor care for those recovering from COVID-19.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of who is at risk for IBS after COVID-19, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted treatments for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked GI symptoms after infections to later IBS, but more evidence is needed specifically for SARS-CoV-2.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pogreba-Brown, Kristen M — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Pogreba-Brown, Kristen M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.