Altered intestinal function precedes the appearance of bacterial DNA in serum and ascites in patients with cirrhosis: a pilot study

• Published in: European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology Vol. 22; no. 10; p. 1228
• Main Authors: Thalheimer, Ulrich, De Iorio, Fosca, Capra, Franco, del Mar Lleo, Maria, Zuliani, Valeria, Ghidini, Valentina, Tafi, Maria Carla, Caburlotto, Greta, Gennari, Micol, Burroughs, Andrew K, Vantini, Italo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.10.2010
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Ascites - metabolism; Ascites - microbiology; Ascites - physiopathology; Ascitic Fluid - metabolism; Ascitic Fluid - microbiology; Bacterial Infections - metabolism; Bacterial Infections - microbiology; Bacterial Infections - physiopathology; Bacterial Translocation - physiology; Disease Progression; DNA, Bacterial - blood; DNA, Bacterial - metabolism; Female; Gastrointestinal Motility - physiology; Humans; Intestinal Absorption - physiology; Liver Cirrhosis - metabolism; Liver Cirrhosis - microbiology; Liver Cirrhosis - physiopathology; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects

Bacterial translocation seems to precede the occurrence of overt bacterial infection in patients with cirrhosis. The presence of bacterial DNA in blood and ascites correlates with bacterial translocation and is frequent in patients with advanced cirrhosis without overt infection. Our aim was to sear...