Lynnette Ferguson
University of Auckland, New Zealand
Keynote: J Hepatol Gastroint Dis
Inflammatory bowel diseases have traditionally been considered to consist of two different forms, Crohn�s disease and ulcerative colitis. A genetic component was recognized for many years, with early studies prior to the year 2000, suggesting between 4-8 genes as being causal. However, it is largely through substantial international progress in methods for genotyping, and also the formation of large international consortia, especially the international IBD genetics consortium, that has progress the science to show to show significantly more than 100 genes, that determine the dietary requirements and the dietary intolerances. It seems highly likely that it should be classed as three rather than two diseases and genetics may be an important feature in determining treatment protocols.
Lynnette Ferguson has completed her Doctor of Philosophy studying at Oxford University. She returned to Auckland, New Zealand, to take on a Post-doctoral position. She initially worked solely as a Member of the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, but in the year 2000 took on a half time position as Professor and head of the Department of Nutrition. She has published more than 300 papers in reputed journals and book chapters.
E-mail: l.ferguson@auckland.ac.nz
