Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP) - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis
06:45

Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP) - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis

Published on: December 18, 2010

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

A Koulaouzidis1, S Bhat, A Karagiannidis

  • 1Gastroenterology Department, Warrington General Hospital, Cheshire, UK. akoulaouzidis@hotmail.com

Postgraduate Medical Journal
|June 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an infection of ascitic fluid. Early diagnosis via ascitic fluid analysis and prompt antibiotic treatment, followed by prophylaxis, are crucial for managing SBP in patients with ascites.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious infection in patients with ascites.
  • Its incidence ranges from 7-30%, even with prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • SBP requires specific diagnostic and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diagnostic procedures for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
  • To discuss current treatment options and prophylaxis strategies for SBP.
  • To highlight the importance of timely intervention in managing SBP.

Main Methods:

  • Review of ascitic fluid analysis, including paracentesis.
  • Comparison of automated cell counters with manual white blood cell counts.
  • Evaluation of leucocyte reagent strips (dipsticks) as a diagnostic tool.
  • Emphasis on the necessity of inoculating ascitic fluid samples in blood culture bottles.

Main Results:

  • Ascitic paracentesis is the primary diagnostic method for SBP.
  • Automated cell counters offer comparable accuracy to manual methods for white blood cell counts.
  • Leucocyte reagent strips present a viable alternative diagnostic approach.
  • Inoculation of fluid samples into blood culture bottles is essential for complete examination.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment of SBP are vital.
  • Third-generation cephalosporins or oral quinolones are current treatment mainstays.
  • Long-term antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended after a single SBP episode to prevent recurrence.

More Related Videos

Characterizing Salmonella Typhimurium-induced Septic Peritonitis in Mice14:10

Characterizing Salmonella Typhimurium-induced Septic Peritonitis in Mice

Published on: July 29, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications01:25

Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a medical process that removes waste products and excess fluid from the body using the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter.Peritoneal Dialysis MethodsSeveral methods can be used for peritoneal dialysis, including Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, also known as Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis.Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (AIPD) is used for patients with uremic...
Cholecystitis01:20

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:25

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Acute pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas caused by the early activation of digestive enzymes, leading to the autodigestion of pancreatic tissue. This results in local inflammation and, in severe cases, systemic complications.EtiologyUnderstanding the underlying causes is crucial, as identifying the etiology guides treatment and anticipates complications. Acute pancreatitis can be triggered by various factors, typically grouped into the following clinical categories.Biliary...
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be either acute or chronic.
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...