Gastroen Clin Biol
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Most cases of infections described after steroid treatment for severe acute alcoholic hepatitis are of bacterial origin. However, the rate of bacterial infections in these patients is not higher than in those who are not treated by steroids. The opportunistic infections are even more rare. ⋯ Steroid treatments and also alcohol may be responsible for these opportunistic infections. Alcohol may have an immunosuppressive effect by decreasing recruitment of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes to the lungs. In conclusion, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is a potential complication of steroid treatments for acute alcoholic hepatitis and should be suspected in case of unexplained pulmonary infection.