Lactobacillus-Associated Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in a Liver Cirrhosis Patient on Probiotics

The efficacy of over the counter probiotics has been an area of scientific debate. While the benefits of probiotics are heavily disputed, probiotics are considered generally safe. We present a case of a liver cirrhosis patient, who presented with hepatic encephalopathy. The patient was taking daily probiotics and receiving weekly therapeutic paracentesis. His workup revealed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Despite starting the patient on empiric ceftriaxone and vancomycin, the patient's leukocytosis did not improve. The paracentesis fluid and blood cultures grew Lactobacillus gasseri. Antibiotics were switched to piperacillin/tazobactam, after which the patient improved clinically. The case highlights the importance of vigilance in using probiotics, especially in liver cirrhosis patients. Also, patients with Lactobacillus-associated SBP may not improve with empiric antibiotic treatment of cephalosporins.