Related Experiment Videos
Peritonitis by scedosporium apiospermum in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
L C Severo1, F d Oliveira, C D Garcia
1Laboratório de Microbiologia Clínica, Instituto Especializado em Pesquisa e Diagnóstico, Santa Casa, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. severo@santacasa.tche.br
Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De Sao Paulo
|November 24, 1999
Abstract:
A case of peritonitis due to Scedosporium apiospermum in a boy undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is reported. The finding of suggestive tissual form of the fungus in the effluent hastened the diagnosis of the infection.
Insights
A rare fungal infection, peritonitis caused by Scedosporium apiospermum, occurred in a boy on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Identifying the fungus in dialysis fluid aided rapid diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
Background:
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a treatment for kidney failure.
- Peritonitis is a serious complication of CAPD, often caused by bacteria.
- Fungal peritonitis is less common but can be severe.
Observation:
- A pediatric patient on CAPD developed peritonitis.
- The causative agent was identified as Scedosporium apiospermum, a filamentous fungus.
- Microscopic examination of the peritoneal dialysis effluent revealed fungal elements.
Findings:
- The presence of the characteristic tissual form of Scedosporium apiospermum in the dialysis effluent was a key diagnostic clue.
- This finding facilitated a quicker diagnosis compared to traditional culture methods alone.
- Scedosporium apiospermum peritonitis presents a diagnostic challenge in immunocompromised patients.
Implications:
- Early detection of fungal peritonitis is crucial for timely treatment and improved patient outcomes.
- Microscopic analysis of dialysis effluent should be considered in suspected fungal infections.
- This case highlights the importance of considering unusual pathogens in CAPD-related peritonitis.