Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

This is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen without a precipitating intra-abdominal cause.

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

Symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, fever, chills, joint pain, nausea, vomiting and altered mental status.

It is diagnosed by a medical history, a full physical examination and complementary tests such as blood and fluid cultures.

It requires immediate antibiotic treatment to prevent severe sepsis and even death.