[Liver abscess caused by Lactobacillus acidophilus]

Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 1996 Mar;20(2):193-5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Lactobacillus acidophilus is usually considered to be non pathogenic. We report a case of liver abscess due to Lactobacillus acidophilus in a 39 year-old man with chronic pancreatitis complicated by both endocrine and exocrine insufficiency, and with a choledoco-duodenostomy. Lactobacillus acidophilus was isolated in blood and liver samples. Complete recovery of the liver abscess occurred after antibiotherapy. We suggest that the abnormally low duodenal pH secondary to pancreatic insufficiency may have promoted both Lactobacillus acidophilus adhesion and multiplication in this patient. The choledoco-duodenostomy may then have promoted biliary tract colonisation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Choledochostomy / adverse effects*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / therapeutic use
  • Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency / complications*
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / etiology*
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus / isolation & purification*
  • Liver Abscess / drug therapy
  • Liver Abscess / etiology*
  • Liver Abscess / microbiology
  • Male

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents