Liver Cirrhosis Complicated by Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Caused by the Burkholderia cepacia Complex

A 79-year-old man with underlying alcoholic liver cirrhosis presented with complaints of a fever, abdominal pain, and difficulty walking. A diagnostic work-up revealed liver atrophy and chylous ascites, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) was diagnosed based on the cell and neutrophil counts. The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) was detected on blood and ascitic fluid cultures. Although broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was initiated, the infection was difficult to control, and the patient died of multiple organ failure. Bcc is often multidrug-resistant and difficult to treat. SBP caused by Bcc has been rarely reported and may have a serious course, thus necessitating caution.