Cellulitis in liver cirrhosis - a series of 25 cases from southern India.

INTRODUCTION: Cirrhosis of the liver predisposes patients to serious bacterial infections including cellulitis. The aim of the study was to determine the clinical and bacteriological profile of cellulitis in patients with liver cirrhosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study, consecutive cirrhotic patients hospitalized between February and September 2017 were enrolled. Data retrieved included demographics, aetiology, co-morbidity, cirrhosis-related complications, site of cellulitis, baseline investigations, and wound and blood culture. RESULTS: Three hundred and thirty-eight patients were admitted, of whom 25 had cellulitis (mean age 52.8 ± 10.4 years, men 88.0%, median MELD [model of end-stage liver disease] 18.8 ± 10.4). Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcohol were each the cause of cirrhosis in 40% of cases. Nine patients (36%) had diabetes mellitus. Cultures were positive in 13 cases (52%; 1 - blood, 11 - wound, 1 - both blood and skin). The majority of the cultures showed monomicrobial growth (9; 70%). Escherichia coli was the commonest isolate (6/13), followed by Klebsiella (4). 61% of isolates had multidrug resistant organisms. The outcome was favourable. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of cellulitis was 7.4% in hospitalised cirrhotics. Culture positivity was 52%. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella were the most common isolates and three fifths of isolates were multidrug resistant.

An Insight into Antibiotic Resistance to Bacterial Infection in Chronic Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND: End stage liver disease leads to immune dysfunction which predisposes to infection. There has been a rise in antibiotic resistant infections in these patients. There is scanty data f from India or idea regarding the same. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was undertaken to determine the type of infection acquired and the prevalence of antibiotic resistant infections in cirrhotic patients at a tertiary referral center in South India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, all consecutive cirrhotic patients hospitalized between 2011 and 2013 with a microbiologically-documented infection were enrolled. Details of previous admission and antibiotics if received were noted. In culture positive infections, the source of infection (ascites, skin, respiratory tract: sputum/endotracheal tube aspirate, pleural fluid; urine and blood) and microorganisms isolated and their antibiotic susceptibility was noted. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients had 240 culture positive samples in the study period. Majority were Klebseilla followed by Escherichia coli and Enterococcus in nosocomial and health care associated infections. However, Enteroccocus was followed by E. coli and Klebsiella in community acquired infections. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern was analyzed for the major causative organisms such as E. coli, Klebsiella and Enterococcus. Most common resistant strains were extended spectrum beta lactamase producing enterobacteriacae (ESBL) followed by carbapenemase producing Klebsiella and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSION: Noscomial infection is the most common type, with Klebsiella and E. coli and there is significant rise in ESBL producing organism.