Microbial Dysbiosis in the Urinary Microbiome of Patients With Cirrhosis
Johannes Woltsche1, Christian Pacher-Deutsch2,3, Stefan Fürst2
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Introduction:
Cirrhosis is associated with microbiome alterations beyond the gut, including skin, saliva, and serum. This study investigated the urinary microbiome in patients with cirrhosis, who have an increased risk of urinary tract infections.
Methods:
Midstream urine from 137 patients was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing; 68 patients with cirrhosis and 32 noncirrhotic controls met inclusion criteria.
Results:
Patients with cirrhosis showed significantly reduced alpha-diversity. The urinary microbiome of controls was enriched in Streptococcus species.
Discussion:
Reduced microbial diversity and lower Streptococcus abundance in patients with cirrhosis might help to explain their heightened susceptibility to urinary tract infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
01:26Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test
01:26Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction
01:29Urine Studies I: Urinalysis
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
01:20Disorders of the Urinary System
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...