Objectives: This study determined the profile of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and its variants in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Design: A descriptive cross-sectional studySetting: The study was conducted in a tertiary hospital.Participants: Patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and HCC above 18 years.Interventions: Ascitic fluid (AF) samples were taken for cell count and culture using a BACTEC culture bottle. Sensitivity patterns and ascitic fluid total protein and albumin levels were also assessed.Main outcome measures: Clinical profile of SBP, organisms isolated from the ascitic fluid and sensitivity of isolated organisms to antibiotics.Results: One hundred and six (106) participants were recruited. Seventy (66%) had liver cirrhosis, and 36 (34%) had HCC. The mean age was 50.08±12.66years. Eighty-nine (84%) were males and 17(16%) were females. The overall prevalence of SBP was 29.2% (n = 31). Classical SBP was 5(4.7%), CNNA 20(18.9%) and monobacterial ascites 6(5.7%). The Gram-positive isolates were Staphylococcus aureus 5(45.5%) – [2(18.2%) MRSA, 3(27.3%) MSSA] while the Gram-negative organisms were E. coli 3(27.3%), Acinectobacter 2(18.2%) and Bulkholderia cepacia 1 (9.1%). Gram-negative bacteria showed absolute resistance to cephalosporins but were all susceptible to meropenem. Gram-positive bacteria showed 100% susceptibility to linezolid, vancomycin and daptomycin. Gram-positive bacteria also showed low resistance to fluoroquinolones (20%). Multi-drug resistance pattern was reported for MRSA, Acinetobacter baumannii and Bulkholderia cepacia.Conclusion: SBP is a common complication in patients with decompensated CLD. Guided antibiotic treatment should be encouraged, particularly in light of the emergence of multidrug resistance patterns.