There is scarce data from the Indian subcontinent on the outcomes following spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). To study the immediate (within 30days) and short-term mortality (31-90days) associated with SBP and to determine the predictors of the same. This prospective observational study was done among patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent paracentesis. Patient data included age, gender, co-morbidity, cirrhosis-related complications, model of end-stage liver disease (MELD), and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) scores. SBP was diagnosed based on ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear leukocyte count > 250/mm3 with or without ascitic fluid culture positivity. Of the 870 patients with cirrhosis and ascites registered during the study period, 610 fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. Altogether, 122 patients with SBP were identified: 52 (42.6%) died, 40 (32.8%) survived without liver transplant, and 30 (24.6%) underwent liver transplantation within 3months. Thirty-two patients (26.2%) were blood culture posi tivefor bacteria and 7 (5.7%) demonstrable bacterialgrowth in ascitic fluid. Blood culture positivity was significantly higher in the group with immediate mortality (p < 0.0001) and was also significantly associated (p 0.005) with mortality at 3months. Nearly two-fifths (42.6%) of the study cohort died within 3months of an episode of SBP. Four-fifths of these patients died within 30days. Blood culture positivity was significantly associated with immediate and short-term mortality.