Bacterial translocation in patients with liver cirrhosis is promoted by bacteria-mediated mechanisms targeting essential functions of the epithelial barrier

Background Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe complication of liver cirrhosis. A crucial event in SBP development is bacterial translocation from the intestine to mesenteric lymph nodes. We characterized the interplay of intestinal epithelial cells with SBP-inducing bacteria and focussed on effects on cell-cell-contacts and cellular stress responses.