Cryptogenic hepatitis patients have a higher Bartonella sp.-DNA detection in blood and skin samples than patients with non-viral hepatitis of known cause |
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| Authors: | Marina Rovani Drummond,Luciene Silva dos Santos,Renata Soalheiro Fá varo,Raquel Silveira Bello Stucchi,Ilka de Fá tima Santana Ferreira Boin,Paulo Eduardo Neves Ferreira Velho |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil;2. Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil;3. Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil;4. Department of Surgery, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; University of Utah, UNITED STATES |
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| Abstract: | BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of Bartonella sp.-DNA detection in blood and skin samples from patients with non-viral end-stage liver disease awaiting liver transplantation.Methodology/Principal findingsBlood samples and healthy skin fragments from 50 patients were tested using microbiological and molecular methods. Fifteen patients had cryptogenic hepatitis (CH) and 35 had alcoholic, drug-induced or autoimmune liver disease. DNA was extracted from whole blood and liquid culture samples, isolates, and skin fragments. Thirteen of the 50 patients (26%) had Bartonella henselae DNA detection in their blood (9/50) and/or skin (5/50) samples. Colonies were isolated in 3/50 (6%) and infection was detected in 7/50 (14%) of the 50 patients. B. henselae-DNA detection was more prevalent in patients with CH than in other patients (p = 0.040). Of 39 patients followed-up for at least two years, a higher mortality rate was observed among patients with CH infected with B. henselae (p = 0.039).Conclusions/SignificanceFurther studies assessing the role of B. henselae infection in the pathogenesis of hepatitis patients must be urgently conducted. |
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