The objective of this study was to investigate if esophageal bacteria are associated with Barrett's esophagus (BE). This study was comprised of a retrospective (Part 1) and a subsequent prospective (Part 2) study. In Part 1, Gram stains were performed on esophageal biopsy specimens obtained in 47 patients. Bacteria were quantitated from 0 to 4. In Part 2, Gram stains and cultured bacterial counts of esophageal biopsies were obtained in 18 GERD patients (9 with BE and 9 without BE). Part 1 results were as follows. Bacteria were found in 37 of 47 esophageal biopsies. Quantitative bacterial stain scores for BE (2.5 +/- 0.2) were higher than for non-BE (1.5 +/- 0.3; P = 0.02). The quantitative bacterial stain scores correlated with increasing severity of dysplasia (r = 0.37, P = 0.028). In Part 2, bacteria were found in 8 of 18 esophageal biopsies by Gram stain (6 of 9 patients with BE vs. 2 of 9 non-BE). The distal esophageal bacterial stain scores in BE patients (1.6 +/- 0.5) were higher than in those without BE (0.4 +/- 0.3; P = 0.07). Patients on proton pump inhibitors tended to have higher bacterial stain scores (1.2 +/- 0.4) than patients who were not (0.7 +/- 0.3; P = 0.45). Bacterial colony counts were similar in patients with BE compared to those without BE. In conclusion, bacteria in esophageal biopsies were detected more often in BE than non-BE. Increasing bacterial stain scores were associated with metaplasia and increasing dysplasia. Esophageal bacteria, possibly related to stasis or gastric acid suppression therapy, may play a role in the pathogenesis of BE and dysplasia.

Five new cases of anterior sacral meningocele are presented, including one secondary to neurofibromatosis, a previously undescribed association. The literature is reviewed, drawing attention to the relationship between anterior sacral meningocele, sacral dysgenesis, and other congenital anomalies. Special consideration is given to the clinical features of this entity, as well as to the techniques and results of surgical management.

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