Study on Salmonella Typhi occurrence in gallbladder of patients suffering from chronic cholelithiasis—a predisposing factor for carcinoma of gallbladder

Cholelithiasis is frequently associated with carcinoma of gallbladder, and the presence of Salmonella Typhi in gallbladder of patients suffering from cholelithiasis is implicated as a predisposing factor for carcinogenesis. This study was conducted on patients suffering from chronic cholelithiasis from a region in North India–endemic area for enteric fever with high incidence of gallstones and gallbladder cancer. Since culture studies rarely reveal the chronic Salmonella Typhi persistence, we use PCR assay to specifically amplify the H1-d flagellin gene sequence homologous with Salmonella Typhi. Seven cases (17.5%), none of which were positive for culture, showed positive PCR results for Salmonella Typhi, 4 (10%) of which were tissue, 2 bile (5%), and 1 gallstone (2.5%). The chronic existence of Salmonella Typhi in gallbladder disease was confirmed. Thus, the study would indicate the importance of vaccination so as to prevent chronic infection and need for early diagnostic tools to prevent any further complications.