Detection of molecular bacterascites in decompensated cirrhosis defines a risk with decreased survival.

Background: The prognostic relevance of bacterial DNA (bactDNA) detection in ascitic fluid of patients with cirrhosis is still under debate. Using quantitative real-time PCR with broad-range primers targeting the V3 and V4 variable region of the 16S rRNA gene, we measured bactDNA concentrations in patients with and without leukocytic ascites and evaluated the impact on short-term survival.

Patients And Methods: Ascites samples from 173 patients with decompensated cirrhosis were consecutively collected between February 2011 and December 2012.

Application of qualitative and quantitative real-time PCR, direct sequencing, and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis for detection and identification of polymicrobial 16S rRNA genes in ascites.

Qualitative and quantitative 16S rRNA gene-based real-time PCR and direct sequencing were applied for rapid detection and identification of bacterial DNA (bactDNA) in 356 ascites samples. bactDNA was detected in 35% of samples, with a mean of 3.24 log copies ml(-1).