characterization of the biliary microbiome in symptomatic cholelithiasis
Background: Cholelithiasis is common in the Western world. Data on the biliary microbiome in cholelithiasis and comparisons across microbial niches are limited. This study aimed to comprehensively analyse the biliary niche compared to saliva and faeces in cholelithiasis. Methods: A prospective observational trial was conducted, including patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis, chronic cholecystitis, acute cholecystitis, and choledocholithiasis. Bacterial microbiome analysis was performed to determine the bacterial community structure in correlation with clinical data.  Results: Bile and gallstone samples were more similar to the upper than to the lower gastrointestinal tract. The bacterial community differed between the included medical conditions. The analyzed niches are characterized by different predominant bacteria. In a network analysis, our findings suggest that Enterococcus, Serratia, Pseudomonas and Escherichia/Shigella may function as opportunistic pathogens in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis. Conclusion: This comprehensive analysis provides new insights into the distinct microbial biliary niche and ecological complexity associated with cholelithiasis.
Background: Cholelithiasis is common in the Western world. Data on the biliary microbiome in cholelithiasis and comparisons across microbial niches are limited. This study aimed to comprehensively analyse the biliary niche compared to saliva and faeces in cholelithiasis. Methods: A prospective observational trial was conducted, including patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis, chronic cholecystitis, acute cholecystitis, and choledocholithiasis. Bacterial microbiome analysis was performed to determine the bacterial community structure in correlation with clinical data.  Results: Bile and gallstone samples were more similar to the upper than to the lower gastrointestinal tract. The bacterial community differed between the included medical conditions. The analyzed niches are characterized by different predominant bacteria. In a network analysis, our findings suggest that Enterococcus, Serratia, Pseudomonas and Escherichia/Shigella may function as opportunistic pathogens in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis. Conclusion: This comprehensive analysis provides new insights into the distinct microbial biliary niche and ecological complexity associated with cholelithiasis.
Ludwig Maximilians University Munich