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Bacterial translocation and gut microflora in obstructive jaundice
R W Parks1, W D Clements, C Pope
1Department of Surgery, Queen's University of Belfast, UK.
Journal of Anatomy
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Obstructive jaundice in rats promoted bacterial translocation from the gut. This occurred without significant changes in the gut
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Surgical Pathophysiology
Background:
- Bacterial translocation from the gut is a key factor in obstructive jaundice complications.
- Reduced intraluminal bile salts may lead to bacterial overgrowth and translocation.
- The small intestine is more permeable, despite the large bowel being a major source of bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of obstructive jaundice on bacterial translocation.
- To assess changes in the indigenous gut microflora at multiple gastrointestinal sites.
Main Methods:
- Inducing obstructive jaundice via bile duct ligation in rats for 7 days.
- Comparing bacterial translocation and microflora in jaundiced rats versus control and sham-operated groups.
- Analyzing microflora qualitatively and quantitatively at three intestinal sites.
Main Results:
- Significant bacterial translocation was observed in jaundiced rats compared to controls.
- A qualitative disturbance in the cecal microflora was noted in jaundiced rats.
- No significant quantitative variation in microflora was found across the three intestinal sites.
Conclusions:
- Experimental obstructive jaundice promotes bacterial translocation within one week.
- This translocation occurs without significant quantitative disruption of the intestinal microflora.