Criteria for the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis:
(1) infection of the ascitic fluid with a positive bacterial culture
(2) ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear (PMN) count >= 250 per µL
(3) absence of surgically treatable intra-abdominal source of infection
Risk factors for development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis:
(1) severe liver disease (Child-Pugh Class C)
(2) ascitic fluid total protein < 1 g/dL and/or C3 level < 13 mg/dL
(3) gastrointestinal bleeding
(4) presence of a urinary tract infection
(5) intestinal bacterial overgrowth
(6) urinary bladder and/or intravascular catheters
(7) a history of one or more previous episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
