Final answer:
Untreated GSD Ib patients often have recurrent bacterial infections and mucosal ulcerations of the gastrointestinal tract. The epithelial cells in the GI tract can become compromised, leading to severe inflammation and symptoms such as watery diarrhea and potential complications like dehydration and IBS.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients with untreated Glycogen Storage Disease type Ib (GSD Ib) often experience recurrent bacterial infections and mucosal ulcerations of the gastrointestinal tract. This condition has a great impact on the health of the GI tract, which serves as a crucial barrier against pathogens. Underlying issues in GSD Ib, such as immune system dysfunction, can lead to a higher susceptibility to infections. This can result in mucosal damages, including ulcerations, as the epithelial cells lining the GI tract may become compromised.
Examples of bacteria that invade the GI tract and could potentially cause increased harm to patients with GSD Ib include Shigella bacteria, which can cause severe inflammation, ulceration, and symptoms such as watery diarrhea, possibly with blood and mucus presence. Inflammation and ulcerations in the GI tract from such infections or from the disease itself could also lead to other severe complications such as dehydration and chronic illness like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).