Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a generic term that refers to Crohn's disease(CD) and Ulserative Colitis (UC). The genetic factors play a significant role in IBD. IBD is associated with a (strong) familial pattern. Recent studies support the hypothesis that IBD patients have a dysregulated immune response to endogenous bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The serologic response seen in Crohn's disease include antibodies to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mycobacteria, bacteroides and E.coli.

In recent years, several serologic markers have been found to be useful for the diagnosis and differentiation of CD and UC. The markers include the following antibodies p-ANCA, ASCA, anti-pancreatic antibody, Omp-C antibody, intestinal goblet cell antibody and antibody to anaerobic coccoid rods.