Bacterial Translocation (also known as Translocation, Bacterial): The passage of viable bacteria from the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT to extra-intestinal sites, such as the mesenteric lymph node complex, liver, spleen, kidney, and blood. Factors that promote bacterial translocation include overgrowth with gram-negative ente

NIH MeSH · D018988Phenomena and Processes

Bacterial Translocation

Also known asTranslocation, Bacterial

Definition

The passage of viable bacteria from the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT to extra-intestinal sites, such as the mesenteric lymph node complex, liver, spleen, kidney, and blood. Factors that promote bacterial translocation include overgrowth with gram-negative enteric bacilli, impaired host immune defenses, and injury to the INTESTINAL MUCOSA resulting in increased intestinal permeability. Bacterial translocation from the lung to the circulation is also possible and sometimes accompanies MECHANICAL VENTILATION.

MeSH classification

  • G06.099.114

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Common questions about Bacterial Translocation

What does Bacterial Translocation mean in medicine?
The passage of viable bacteria from the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT to extra-intestinal sites, such as the mesenteric lymph node complex, liver, spleen, kidney, and blood. Factors that promote bacterial translocation include overgrowth with gram-negative enteric bacilli, impaired host immune defenses, and injury to the INTESTINAL MUCOSA resulting in increased intestinal permeability. Bacterial translocation from the lung to the circulation is also possible and sometimes accompanies MECHANICAL VENTILATION. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Bacterial Translocation known by any other names?
Yes. Bacterial Translocation is also referred to as Translocation, Bacterial in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Bacterial Translocation sit in the medical classification?
Bacterial Translocation falls under the broader medical category "Phenomena and Processes" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: G06.099.114). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Bacterial Translocation?
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Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D018988) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗