What is the most common organism found in bile?

The most common organism found in bile is Escherichia coli. This bacterium is part of the normal gut flora and is frequently implicated in biliary infections, particularly in cases of cholangitis or acute cholecystitis. Given its prevalence in the intestines, E. coli can ascend through the biliary tree, especially in situations where there is obstruction or dysfunction, leading to inflammation and infection.

In the presence of biliary obstruction or other predisposing factors, E. coli can proliferate in the bile, which is usually sterile but can become contaminated in these circumstances. Understanding the microbial flora of the bile is essential for appropriate antibiotic selection and management of biliary conditions. Markedly, other organisms listed typically do not have the same frequency in bile as E. coli, making it a more reliable and common pathogen in infected bile settings.