Translocation of indigenous microflora in an experimental model of sepsis

Translocation of viable bacteria from gut to bloodstream and other sterile body sites during shock has been demonstrated in several experimental and c linical studies. The factors causing translocation and its incidence at dif ferent stages of shock are not known. The aim of the study was to evaluate the importance of several factors causing translocation of indigenous micro flora in an experimental model of septic shock based on intraperitoneal Esc herichia coli sepsis in rats. Counts of inoculated E, coli and translocated bacteria in different locations, gut morphology and haematological values were evaluated at different stages of sepsis, Sepsis developed in all anima ls and E, call achieved the highest counts in blood 6 h after inoculation. Translocation was commonest at 6 and 12 h after inoculation, Frequently tra nslocating bacteria were lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, bacteroides and pept ostreptococci, In early sepsis, translocation was associated with high E, c oli counts in blood, yet in late sepsis the opposite correlation was presen t. Low infiltration by neutrophils in the ileum and decreased mitotic activ ity in the colon were associated with a high translocation rate. In early s epsis, translocation was associated with low lymphocyte counts, but in late sepsis, with low neutrophil counts. Translocation of bacteria (including a naerobes) that colonise the gut in high counts takes place during sepsis, P utative influencing factors such as activity of the primary disease (bacter ial counts in blood), gut morphology or haematological values seem to have different impacts on translocation, depending on the stage of the disease.