The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and more detailed data pertaining to the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in the Czech Republic. The authors exami- ned 99 patients with cirrhosis of the liver and ascites. SBP was diagnosed in a high percentage - 35 patients, i.e. 35.4 %. It was found more frequently in patients with an alcoholic etiology of cirrhosis who had a history of subfebrile and febrile temperatures and increasing trend of ascites. For the diagnosis the increase of leucocytes in serum and C reactive protein levels may prove useful. Lower values of total protein and albumin in ascites predispose to the development of this infection. Reduction of the number of thrombocytes in the group of patients with SBP indicates the influence of portal hypertension in the etiology of this disease.

        Key words: Cirrhosis of the liver - Ascites - Infection - Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis