OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship of bacteria identified in cholesterol gallstones and gallstone formation.

METHODSObserve the bacteria activity in model bile and the influence of bacteria on the cholesterol nucleation time (NT).

RESULTS(1) Model bile were suitable for the growth of E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococcus aureus, enterococcus faecalis, clostridium difficile and Clostridium. Propionibacterium acne grew weakly and the growth of Bacteroides fragilis was restrained in model bile. (2) Only pseudomonas aeruginosa and enTerococcus faecalis could ly shorten the cholesterol nucleation time. (3) With pseudomonas aeruginosa or enTerococcus faecalis added in model bile, the formation of cholesterol crystals presented a progressive course of evolution.

CONCLUSIONSPseudomonas aeruginosa and enterococcus faecalis, not propionibacterium acne, have pro-nucleating ability in model bile.

Bile ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Cholelithiasis ; microbiology ; Cholesterol ; metabolism ; Crystallization ; Enterococcus faecalis ; growth & development ; Models, Biological ; Propionibacterium acnes ; growth & development ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; growth & development

Several species of Helicobacter colonize the hepatobiliary tract of animals and cause hepatobiliary diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate Helicobacter found in the biliary tract diseases of humans. Thirty-two bile samples (15 from bile duct cancer, 6 from pancreatic head cancer, and 11 from intrahepatic duct stone) were obtained by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. Polymerase chain reaction analysis using Helicobacter specific urease A gene and 16S rRNA primers, bile pH measurement, and Helicobacter culture were performed. Helicobacter DNA was detected in 37.5%, and 31.3% by PCR with ureA gene, and 16S rRNA, respectively. The bile pH was not related to the presence of Helicobacter. The cultures were not successful. In conclusion, Helicobacter can be detected in the bile of patients with bile duct diseases. The possibility of pathogenesis of biliary tract diseases in humans by these organisms will be further investigated.
Adenocarcinoma/microbiology ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bile/microbiology* ; Bile Duct Diseases/microbiology* ; Bile Duct Neoplasms/microbiology ; Cholelithiasis/microbiology ; DNA Primers ; DNA, Bacterial* ; Helicobacter/isolation & purification* ; Helicobacter/growth & development ; Helicobacter/genetics ; Human ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Middle Age ; Pancreatic Neoplasms/microbiology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction