Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of clinical microorganisms isolated from spontaneous bacterial peritonitis patients. Ascitic fluid was collected from these patients and cultured for pathogens. The patients were placed into three groups, Group A (01/1996 to 12/2000), B (01/2001 to 12/2005) and C (01/2006 to 06/2010) and the clinical data were compared among these groups. There was a significant difference in the ratio of pathogens (Gram-positive bacteria/ isolated pathogens, Gram-negative bacteria/ isolated pathogens) between groups A and C (P < 0.001). Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis patients with Gram-positive bacteria used significantly more antibiotics within 30 days compared to those with Gram-negative bacteria (P < 0.001). In recent years, the types of isolated pathogens have significantly changed in Northern China. Such changes have also been observed in other countries and have been attributed to long-term antibiotic therapy and invasive procedures. Changes in the epidemiology of pathogens that cause spontaneous bacterial peritonitis must be monitored for optimal treatment.

Key words: Pathogens, gram-positive bacteria, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, cirrhotic patients