LIVER-ABSCESS DUE TO LACTOBACILLUS-ACIDOP HILUS

Lactobacillus acidophilus is usually considered to be non pathogenic. We report a case of liver abscess due to Lactobacillus acidophilus in a 39 year-old man with chronic pancreatitis complicated by both endocr ine and exocrine insufficiency, and with a choledoco-duodenostomy. Lac tobacillus acidophilus was isolated in blood and liver samples. Comple te recovery of the liver abscess occurred after antibiotherapy. We sug gest that the abnormally low duodenal pH secondary to pancreatic insuf ficiency may have promoted both Lactobacillus acidophilus adhesion and multiplication in this patient. The choledoco-duodenostomy may then h ave promoted biliary tract colonisation.