Pasteurella multocida peritonitis in hepatic cirrhosis with ascites.

Two patients with spontaneous Pasteurella multocida peritonitis in association with cirrhosis and ascites are described. Both patients had close contact with domestic animals, but neither had been bitten. Both patients died, but only one as a result of his infection. We are aware of only one previous report of cirrhosis with spontaneous peritonitis caused by this organism. P. multocida should be considered as a possible cause of peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with a history of close contact with animals, particularly cats.