Inflammatory bowel diseases include ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohnââ¬â¢s disease (CD). The etiology of IBD is not fully understood and is
influenced by environmental, genetic and immunological factors. The geographic variation of IBD is well known. The highest prevalence
rates are reported in North America and Northern Europe, whereas the prevalence rates are much lower in eastern European and Asian
populations. It has been shown that higher incidence rates of IBD are associated with westernization. People who immigrate to
westernized countries have a higher risk for developing IBD. The prevalence of IBD is also different among ethnic groups of immigrant
populations. Nguyen et al. showed a higher prevalence of IBD in Non-Hispanic whites compared with Non-Hispanic blacks. The
same study showed a higher ratio of IBD hospitalizations and IBD related mortality in Non-Hispanic blacks compared with Non-Hispanic
whites. This suggests a different IBD phenotype among ethnic groups. Based on this assumption, we have investigated the clinical
phenotype of CD in first and second degree Moroccan immigrants in comparison to Caucasian immigrants in the Antwerp University
Hospital.
Last date updated on September, 2024