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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP) - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis
Published on: December 18, 2010
Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
1Yale University School of Medicine, Digestive Diseases 1080 LMP, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520-8019, USA.
Abstract:
A suspicion, even if low, of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) should prompt a diagnostic paracentesis to be performed on presentation. Empiric antibiotic therapy with a third-generation cephalosporin should commence upon demonstration of over 250 granulocytes/mm(3) in ascitic fluid. Treatment for 5 days in uncomplicated SBP is sufficient; persistent symptoms and/or ascites fluid showing persistent granulocytosis (over 250 cells/mm(3)) should be handled by broadening of antibiotic spectrum and searching for secondary causes of peritonitis. Antibiotic prophylaxis for cirrhotic patients with ascites and acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage and in those with a prior history of SBP is indicated.
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