Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
Hepatitis B and C viruses are major public health problems. These viruses can chronically lead to liver disease such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, which often increase mortality in these patients. According to previous studies, the liver is highly affected by changes in the microbiota of gastrointestinal tract and immune system damage caused by inflammation due to viral hepatitis. Significant advances have been made in identifying gastrointestinal microbiota in cirrhotic patients associated with viral hepatitis and its use in their prognosis and treatment in recent years. Unique bacterial profiles are observed in cirrhotic patients associated with viral hepatitis, including increased numbers of Streptococcus, Prevotella, Staphylococcus, and Enterococcus, as well as decreased numbers of Clostridium and Ruminococcus. The purpose of this review was to summarize and discuss the gastrointestinal microbiota profile in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C and its role in the progression of cirrhosis.