Review for 10.1186/s12876-017-0664-z (2017)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Detection of bacterial DNA by in situ hybridization in patients with decompensated liver 
cirrhosis  
 
Version: 0 Date: 15 May 2017  
 
Reviewer: Hirokazu Takahashi  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
BMGE -D-17-00151  
The authors investigate the bacterial transloc ation of decompensate liver cirrhosis with ascites 
using in situ hybridization method (ISH) which is more sensitive than conventional procedure 
including blood cultures. ISH could be useful for the management of patients with SBP. Study 
design is well orga nized and presentation is understanding.  
 
Minor comment  
1. The authors should show the diagnosis criteria of diabetes (table 1) because it is well known 
that almost of all patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis have abnormal glucose 
metabolism and di agnosis of diabetes is generally difficult. Additionally, portal hypertension 
and hypersplenism causes anemia and HbA1c is not helpful.  
2. Detail of "antibiotics use" in table 2 is missing. Was it used for prevention or treatment of 
SBP?  
3. Detail of blood  and ascitc culture is missing. How was the samples cultured and how did the 
authors determine positive or negative?             
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Unable to assess  
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any st atistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statisti cs 
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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holds  or has applied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript?  
 
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
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below.  If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
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