Bacterial DNA in mixed cholesterol gallstones.
OBJECTIVE
Numerous investigators have proposed a role for bacteria in biliary lithogenesis. We hypothesized that bacterial DNA is present in gallstones, and that categorical differences exist between gallstone type and the frequency of bacterial sequences.


METHODS
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify bacterial 16S rRNA and uidA (encoding Escherichia coli [E. coli] beta-glucuronidase) genes in different types of gallstones. PCR products were sequenced.


RESULTS
Bacterial 16S rRNA and uidA DNA sequences in E. coli were detected in all brown pigment, common bile duct, and mixed cholesterol gallstones (n = 14). In contrast, only one (14%) of seven pure cholesterol gallstones yielded a PCR product. Most (88%) mixed cholesterol gallstones yielded PCR amplification products from their central, as well as their outer, portions. Sequenced products possessed 88-98% identity to 16S rRNA genes of E. coli and Pseudomonas species.


CONCLUSIONS
Bacterial DNA sequences are usually present in mixed cholesterol (to 95% cholesterol content), brown pigment, and common bile duct, but rarely in pure cholesterol gallstones. The presence of bacterial beta-glucuronidase is also suggested. The role of bacteria and their products in the formation of mixed cholesterol gallstones, which comprise the majority of cholesterol gallstones, warrants further study.
Lee
D K
DK
Department of Medicine, VA Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98108-1597, USA.
Tarr
P I
PI
Haigh
W G
WG
Lee
S P
SP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011549:Pseudomonas / Q000235:genetics
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D005966:Glucuronidase