Bacterial Infections in End-Stage Liver Disease: Implications for Liver Transplantation

Abstract

Bacterial infections are a common complication in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. The complex landscape of cirrhosis, characterized by immune paralysis and an exhausted response to exogenous triggers, explains the higher prevalence of such infections, particularly in advanced disease stages. In clinical practice, the onset of a bacterial infection can lead to further deterioration of hepatic and extra-hepatic function, potentially resulting in acute decompensation or acute-on-chronic liver failure. This has significant clinical implications, particularly for patients awaiting a transplant. In this review, we will discuss the latest evidence on the diagnosis and therapy of bacterial infections in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Additionally, we will analyze the impact of bacterial infections in the context of liver transplantation, discussing debated topics such as the timing of transplantation in patients with infections, potential implications for prioritization, effects on post-operative recovery, grafts, and patient survival.