Diagnostic validity of flow cytometry vs manual counting of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Background Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is frequently occurring infection among patients with liver cirrhosis, defined by polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytic count ≥250 cell/mm3 with or without a positive ascitic fluid (AF) bacterial culture. So, this study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of flow cytometry versus manual counting of ascitic fluid PMNL in cirrhotic patients, with clinical suspicion of SBP. Methods A hospital‐based cross‐sectional study was carried out on 320 cirrhotic patients with clinical suspicion of SBP. Abdominal paracentesis was performed in all cases for microscopic manual and flow cytometry counting of PMNL. Anti‐HLA‐DR, anti‐CD15, anti‐CD16, and anti‐CD45 monoclonal antibodies were used for flow cytometry method. Results Flow cytometric PMNL count had 100% sensitivity and specificity, while manual PMNL count had a sensitivity of 65.52% and specificity of 90% with significant difference (P value