Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis due to Listeria monocytogenes

: We present a case of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) caused by Listeria monocytogenes in a patient previously diagnosed as alcoholic liver cirrhosis. The clinical presentation, biochemical data and outcome of the patient are compared with those of cases of SBP caused by Listeria monocytogenes in patients with cirrhosis published in the Spanish and English literature. Twelve out of 20 cases described in the literature were published by Spanish authors. This greater proportion could be related to dietary habits (greater consumption of fruits and vegetables), climatic or demographic factors. We underline the importance of pursuing a microbiological diagnosis since Listeria monocytogenes is intrinsically resistant to cefotaxime, the antimicrobial often selected to empirically treat SBP episodes.