Published online Feb 27, 2018. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v10.i2.222
Peer-review started: December 14, 2017
First decision: December 27, 2017
Revised: December 29, 2017
Accepted: January 23, 2018
Article in press: January 23, 2018
Published online: February 27, 2018
Processing time: 79 Days and 21.6 Hours
Bacterial infection (BI) is a common cause of impairment of liver function in patients with cirrhosis, especially in the liver transplant candidates. These patients share an immunocompromised state and increased susceptibility to develop community and hospital-acquired infections. The changing epidemiology of BI, with an increase of multidrug resistant strains, especially in healthcare-associated settings, represents a critical issue both in the waiting list and in the post-operative management. This review focused on the role played by BI in patients awaiting liver transplantation, evaluating the risk of drop-out from the waiting list, the possibility to undergo liver transplantation after recovery from infection or during a controlled infection.
Core tip: Bacterial infection (BI) is a common cause of impairment of liver function in patients with cirrhosis, especially in the liver transplant candidates. BI may play a detrimental role in patients awaiting liver transplantation, increasing the risk of drop-out from the waiting list.