Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench

Abstract

Aim: Thereby we aimed to detection of bacterial DNA (bactDNA) in SBP by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its prognostic relevance in cirrhotic patients with culture-negative non-neutrocytic ascites(CNNNA).  Background: approximately 60% of patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) are ascites culture negative. Methods: Of each 77 patients with cirrhosis and ascites, two samples including blood & ascitic fluid (AF) were taken. Blood samples were obtained for routine biochemical study and PMN count. AF samples were used for biochemical analysis and aerobic and anaerobic culture. BactDNA was detected by PCR using bacterial universal 16srRNA gene primer. Results: Hepatitis B, 41(45%), was the most frequent cause of cirrhosis. Of all AF samples, 3 (3.9%) were positive for bacterial culture (one streptococcus ? hemolytic and two E.coli). The mean number of PMN in AF was 63. BactDNA was detected in 33 (42.9%) of 77 of samples (group A) and bactDNA was absent in 41(53.2%) of samples (group B). Blood WBC, prothrombin time, LDH, serum total protein, AF WBC, serum albumin, AF albumin, AF total protein, serum total bilirubin, AST, ALT and BUN were not differ statically different among group A and B. Conclusions: Hepatitis B is the common cause of cirrhosis in Iranian cirrhotic patients. Also current study showed that the high number of Iranian cirrhotic patients with CNNNA carries bactDNA in their AF. The clinical findings as well as clinical laboratory data in patients with CNNNA are independent to bactDNA status in their ascitic fluid.