Microbial Dysbiosis in the Urinary Microbiome of Patients with Cirrhosis.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Cirrhosis is associated with microbiome alterations beyond the gut, including skin, saliva, and serum. This study investigated the urinary microbiome (UMB) in patients with cirrhosis, who have an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). METHODS Midstream urine from 137 patients was analysed via 16S rRNA sequencing; 68 patients with cirrhosis and 32 non-cirrhotic controls met inclusion criteria. RESULTS Patients with cirrhosis showed significantly reduced alpha-diversity. The UMB of controls was enriched in Streptococcus species. DISCUSSION Reduced microbial diversity and lower Streptococcus abundance in patients with cirrhosis might help to explain their heightened susceptibility to UTIs.