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Culture-Negative SBP — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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ModerateHepatitisCulture-Negative SBPSCE Infectious Diseases

A 50-year-old man with cirrhosis has ascitic neutrophils 380/µL but negative Gram stain and cultures. How should this be managed?

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Correct answer: D — Treat as SBP — culture-negative neutrocytic ascites (CNNA) with neutrophils ≥250/µL is treated identically to culture-positive SBP

CNNA is a variant of SBP occurring in ~40% of cases. Treatment is identical: IV Ceftriaxone plus IV albumin.

Reference: EASL 2024 – Decompensated cirrhosis; BSG 2021