Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

It is the infection of ascitic fluid without an intra-abdominal triggering cause. 

It is attributed to the translocation of bacteria from inside the intestine to the fluid, including E.coli, Klebsiella and other microorganisms of the intestinal flora.

It manifests with abdominal pain and distension, fever, chills, joint pain, nausea, vomiting and altered mental status. 

It is diagnosed by clinical history, complete physical examination and complementary tests such as blood and ascitic fluid analysis.

It requires immediate antibiotic treatment to avoid severe sepsis, even death.