Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe complication of decompensated cirrhosis, and the in hospital mortality for SBP ranges from 21.3% to 37%. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical characteristics, microbiological findings, and clinical course in patients diagnosed with bacterascites in comparison with patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, regarding liver status. Patients and methods: This study was conducted on 50 Patients with ascites who were admitted at Internal Medicine Department, Benha University Hospital. Results: There was no significant difference between the two studied groups. There was no significant difference between the two studied groups regarding hemoglobin, total leukocyte count (TLC) and platelets. There was no significant difference between the two studied groups regarding liver parameters. There was a significant difference between the two studied groups regarding polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) count. There was a significant difference between the two studied groups regarding positive cultures and prevalence of isolated organisms from the ascitic fluid. There was a significant difference between the two studied groups regarding antimicrobial agents use. Conclusion: Bacterascites is a complication of cirrhosis comparable to SBP with respect to clinical background and prognosis. There is a significant difference between the two studied groups regarding positive cultures and prevalence of isolated organisms from the ascitic fluid. There is a significant difference between the two studied groups regarding antimicrobial agents use.