Approximately 20 volunteers who have received a liver transplant and have been diagnosed with cryptogenic cirrhosis will be included in this study. Blood, skin and urine samples will be analyzed for Bartonella spp..

Approximately 20 volunteers who have received a liver transplant and have been diagnosed with cryptogenic cirrhosis will be included in this study. Blood samples will be analyzed for Bartonella using the state-of-the art Bartonella Alpha Proteobacterium Growth Medium (BAPGM) multi-platform testing, including liquid culture, enriched agar plating and molecular techniques. Blood smears will be analyzed for intra-erythrocytic Bartonella spp. Four-millimeter skin biopsies from non-lesional skin will be acquired from the same patients, processed using our published techniques, and imaged using confocal microscopy and compared to BAPGM test results. additionally, urine samples will be collected and analyzed for microRNAs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• o Male and female subjects, ages 18 years and older

  • Liver transplant recipient
  • Diagnosis of cryptogenic cirrhosis
  • Signed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• none

This study includes subjects ages 18 and above. Patients of the University of Minnesota Transplant Center who meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria will be given the opportunity to participate in this study. Dr. Lake has several liver transplant clinics and appropriate patients will be offered the opportunity to participate in this study.

We will share individual patient data (IPD) with other researchers upon requet.