People who have
cirrhosis are at risk of developing an infection in
the fluid (ascites) that builds up in the abdominal cavity. Spontaneous
bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an infection of ascitic fluid that occurs
without warning or a clear cause. SBP most often occurs when a person has had
cirrhosis for a long time.
Your doctor may perform a procedure called
paracentesis to collect a sample of fluid from your
abdomen. The fluid can be analyzed to help the doctor determine whether
infection is present and which bacteria are in the sample.
If diagnosed early, SBP almost always can be treated successfully
with antibiotics. You will need long-term antibiotics after an episode of SBP
to prevent future infections.
