Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD) have been associated with the induction of chronic anaerobic endometritis as well as superimposition of exogenous sexually transmitted diseases and unilateral tubo-ovarian abscesses. We report an unusual case of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in a patient with ascites and an IUD. Bacteriological data support the concept that the source of infection was a chronic mixed endometritis induced by prolonged use of an IUD (16 years). In the presence of ascites, a localized endometritis with its reservoir of bacteria provided the medium for systemic disease.
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