Cryptogenic hepatitis patients have a higher Bartonella sp.-DNA detection in blood and skin samples than patients with non-viral hepatitis of known cause

Author(s)

Drummond, Marina Rovani ; Dos Santos, Luciene Silva ; Favaro, Renata Soalheiro ; Bello Stucchi, Raquel Silveira ; Santana Ferreira Boin, Ilka De Fatime ; Neves Ferreira Velho, Paulo Eduardo

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases; v. 16, n. 7, p. 13-pg., 2022-07-01.

Abstract

Background This 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 findings Blood 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/Significance Further studies assessing the role of B. henselae infection in the pathogenesis of hepatitis patients must be urgently conducted. Author summary One in four patients with end-stage liver disease awaiting liver transplantation for hepatitis of non-viral origin had documented B. henselae-DNA detection and cryptogenic hepatitis patients have a higher bacterium molecular detection than patients with non-viral hepatitis of known cause. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/12565-6 - Vectors of Chagas' disease as potential transmitters of Bartonella spp. Abstract
• Grantee: Marina Rovani Drummond
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral