Longitudinal Surveillance of Rectal Colonization and Transmission by Resistant Bacteria in Acutely Decompensated Cirrhosis

Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a global threat, and multidrug resistance organisms (MDROs) form one of the foremost challenges in the setting of decompensated cirrhosis. In a worldwide study, a high prevalence (34%) of infection with MDR bacteria in patients with cirrhosis and associated with higher in-hospital mortality.

Previous study indicated that the pattern of colonized bacteria in heterogeneous and the colonization by MDROs is associated with increased risk of infection. Effort should be made to reduce the spread of MDR bacteria and improvement in prognosis in patents with cirrhosis. Currently, strategies suggested to prevent the spread of MDROs in cirrhosis, including rapid microbiological tests, new first-line antibiotic schedules, infection control practices and epidemiological surveillance.

Thus, for the aims of this cohort study are as following. Firstly, to characterize the burden, dynamics and risk factors associated with rectal colonization by MDROs in patients with cirrhosis. Secondly, to completely characterize the risk that asymptomatic carriers of MDROs, both to other patients and to themselves via collecting detailed longitudinal sampling and high-resolution typing. Lastly, to generate evidence for future policymaking for individualized antimicrobial decision rather than umbrella guidelines since the variance in the bacteriological profiles in different settings.