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Updated: May 13, 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

Frequency of microbial spectrum of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in established cirrhosis liver

Amjad Zaman1, Rahida Kareem, Rashid Mahmood

  • 1Department of Physiology, Khyber Girls Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan. dramjadpk@hotmail.com

Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad : JAMC
|March 12, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication in liver cirrhosis patients. Escherichia coli is the most frequent cause, highlighting the need for population-specific antibiotic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent and serious complication in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites.
  • SBP is associated with high mortality rates, necessitating prompt empiric antibiotic therapy.
  • Understanding the local microbial spectrum is crucial for effective SBP management before culture results are available.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the microbial spectrum of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites.
  • To identify the most common causative organisms of SBP in a specific population.
  • To inform the selection of appropriate empiric antibiotic regimens for SBP.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study involving 50 consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar.
  • Ascitic fluid was collected for bacterial culture, biochemical, and cytological examination.
  • Patients were included based on suspicion or risk factors for SBP.

Main Results:

  • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) or its variants were diagnosed in 56% of patients (28 out of 50).
  • Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated organism (66.66%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (16.66%).
  • Culture-positive SBP occurred in 12 cases, with E. coli dominating the microbial profile.

Conclusions:

  • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and its variants are common in liver cirrhosis with ascites.
  • Escherichia coli is the predominant pathogen causing SBP in this population.
  • Knowledge of the local microbial spectrum is vital for guiding empiric antibiotic therapy in SBP.

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