Transient bacteremia associated with percutaneous liver biopsy

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Microbiology

Background:

• Percutaneous liver biopsy is a common diagnostic procedure.
• The risk of introducing bacteria into the bloodstream during liver biopsy is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and duration of transient bacteremia following percutaneous liver biopsy.
• To determine the relationship between liver tissue histology and bacteremia.

Main Methods:

• Blood cultures were collected immediately before and at 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes after liver biopsy in 89 patients.
• Liver tissue samples were also cultured for bacterial presence.
• Histological examination of liver tissue was performed for all patients.

Main Results:

• No bacteremia was detected before the procedure.
• Transient bacteremia occurred in 13.48% of patients, with positive blood cultures up to 15 minutes post-biopsy.
• Patients with positive liver tissue cultures had a significantly higher incidence of bacteremia (83.3%) compared to those with sterile biopsies (8.r%).
• Commonly identified bacteria included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous liver biopsy is associated with transient bacteremia.
• Positive liver tissue cultures are a significant risk factor for developing bacteremia after the procedure.