The present invention relates to the use of lactic acid bacteria capable of adhering to the mucosa of the intestine and especially colonizing it for the prevention of peritonitis. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of such lactic acid bacteria for the prevention of peritonitis caused by cirrhosis of the liver. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for preventing peritonitis in a patient in need of such prevention. This method includes administering to the patient a lactic acid bacterium that is capable of adhering to the intestine's mucosa and essentially colonizing it for the preparation of an ingestable carrier. The invention also relates to a peritonitis preventing composition of a lactic acid bacterium that is capable of adhering to the intestine's mucosa and essentially colonizing it for the preparation of an ingestable carrier. The carrier is preferably a food or pharmaceutical composition.