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.