Bacteria and the liver.

For an organ exposed to bacteria from both the systemic and portal circulations, it is surprising that bacterial infections of the liver are so rare. Although viral invasion of hepatic tissue is common, the extensive network of reticuloendothelial or von Kupffer cells that line the sinusoids is capable normally of clearing bacteria presented from elsewhere,1 and repeated studies have confirmed that healthy liver tissue is sterile. Abnormalities of liver function in systemic infections are common but are usually due to toxic products rather than bacterial presence. In pneumococcal pneumonia, hepatic function is impaired commonly, and jaundice may be seen in . . .