Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Abstract

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a relatively common presentation in cirrhotic patients with ascites. These patients have increased susceptibility to infections due to inadequate defense mechanisms. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is the diagnosis when the cell count of more than 250 cells/mm3 is obtained on testing the ascitic fluid obtained by paracentesis. Approximately 60% of the SBP episodes are produced by gram-negative enteric bacilli with E. coli and Klebsiella spp. being the most frequently isolated microorganisms; however, there is increasing incidence of gram-positive organisms as the cause of SBP. Fluoroquinolones have been shown to be effective in SBP prophylaxis while cephalosporins are used for treatment.