Definition of Bacterial peritonitis

Bacterial peritonitis: This bacterial infection inside of the abdomen involves the inner lining tissue, the peritoneum. Bacterial peritonitis can be spontaneous, such as can occur in people with severe alcoholic liver disease, or be caused by bacteria contaminating the abdomen, such as from a knife or gunshot wound or as a complication of appendicitis. Bacterial peritonitis requires emergent antibiotic treatment, typically in a hospital setting.