Influence of gut microbiota and intestinal barrier on enterogenic infection after liver transplantation

Curr Med Res Opin. 2019 Feb;35(2):241-248. doi: 10.1080/03007995.2018.1470085. Epub 2018 May 22.

Abstract

Liver transplantation is currently a standard therapy for patients with end-stage liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma. Given that liver transplantation has undergone a thriving development in these decades, the survival rates after liver transplantation have markedly improved as a result of the critical advancement in surgical techniques, immunosuppressive therapies, and post-operative care. However, infection remains a fatal complication after liver transplantation surgery. In particular, enterogenic infection represents a major complication in liver transplant recipients. This article gives an overview of infection cases after liver transplantation and focuses on the discussion of enterogenic infection in terms of its pathophysiology, risk factor, outcome, and treatment.

Keywords: Liver transplantation; bacterial translocation; complication; enterogenic infection; gut microbiota; intestinal barrier function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Infections / epidemiology
  • Intestines / microbiology*
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*