Background and study aims: Egypt has a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and high morbidity
and mortality related to cirrhosis complications. Patients with cirrhosis have an increased risk of bacterial
infections. Approximately 25–35% of cirrhotics had infections at admission or during hospitalisation. Data
on infection among cirrhotics in Egypt are limited. This study aimed to determine the frequency and
microbiological spectrum of infections in cirrhotics and possible risk factors.
Patients and methods: This study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. The frequency and microbiological spectrum of infections in cirrhotics were determined. The risk factors for infection were evaluated.
Results: Of the 100 patients with liver cirrhosis, 61% had infection. Ascitic fluid infection (AFI) was the
most common infection (44.3%), followed by urinary tract infection (UTI) (21.3%), respiratory tract infection (RTI) (19.7%), gastroenteritis (6.6%) and skin infection (4.9%). The only risk factor for infection among
cirrhotics was diabetes mellitus (DM) (p = 0.047). The mean value of mid-arm muscle circumference was
significantly lower in the infected group (p = 0.047). Among all the cirrhotics, 32.0% had mild to moderate
malnutrition and 52.0% had severe malnutrition. The frequency of infection was higher in severe malnutrition (71.2%).
Conclusions: The frequency of infections among cirrhotics was 61%. Many types of infections including
AFI, RTI, UTI and skin infections were present in patients with liver cirrhosis, but AFI was the most common. DM was the only risk factor for infection, and independent predictors for infection were elevated
WBC count and C-reactive protein levels. The frequency of infection was related to the degree of
malnutrition.