A 21-year-old member asked:
Can bacterial infection cause gallbladder disease?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Barry Rosenanswered
General Surgery 36 years experience
Other way around.: Gallbladder disease is almost always secondary to gallstones blocking the cystic duct that empties the gallbladder. Persistent blockage leads to acute inflammation of the gallbladder called acute cholecystitis. Studies have shown that the bile is secondarily infected with bacteria approximately 15% of the time.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. John Rimmeranswered
General Surgery 41 years experience
Gallstones: Gallstones are formed in the gallbladder and may not cause symptoms . Gallstones in the gallbladder are associated with bacteria in the bile and if the bile in the gallbladder gets infected it causes cholecystitis which makes you very unwell and requires surgery to remove the gallbladder.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Feb 17, 2019
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.