Study of biliary microbiome in liver transplantation (SMILE)

Project start
Institution: Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Transplantationschirurgie, Klinikum der Universität München
Applicant: Prof. Dr. med. Joachim Andrassy
EKFS funding line: Key Project
Image: Study team

The only promising therapy for patients with end stage liver disease is liver transplantation. Complications of the biliary tract are common problems. Contrary to earlier assumptions, the biliary tract is not "sterile", but physiologically colonized with a variety of microbes. However, the significance of this colonization, whether beneficial or pathological, remains unclear.
This project will provide insight into the status and changes in the biliary microbiome before and after liver transplantation and examine its influence on organ function and the development of biliary complications. In times of organ shortage, our aim must be to preserve organ function as long as possible and further improve long term outcome of our patients.


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