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Capnocytophaga canimorsus peritonitis in a pediatric peritoneal dialysis patient

V Chadha1, B A Warady

  • 1Section of Pediatric Nephrology, The Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri at Kansas City, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA,

Insights

Capnocytophaga canimorsus caused peritonitis in a peritoneal dialysis patient after a cat-related injury. This is the first reported case of this bacterium causing peritonitis in a patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a rare bacterium that can cause severe infections.
  • Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure, but patients are susceptible to infections.
  • Cat-to-human transmission of bacteria can lead to serious health complications.

Observation:

  • An 18-year-old male on automated peritoneal dialysis developed peritonitis.
  • The peritonitis was caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus.
  • The infection occurred after his dialysis tubing was punctured by a domestic cat.

Findings:

  • This is the first reported case of Capnocytophaga canimorsus causing peritonitis in a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis.
  • Over 100 cases of C. canimorsus septicemia have been documented.
  • The patient had a previous peritonitis episode caused by Pasteurella multocida, also from the same cat.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider Capnocytophaga canimorsus in patients on peritoneal dialysis with peritonitis, especially after animal contact.
  • This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare bacterial causes of infection in immunocompromised patients.
  • Understanding transmission routes is crucial for preventing serious infections in dialysis patients.

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