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Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis peritonitis due to Enterococcus cecorum
T De Baere1, G Claeys, G Verschraegen
1Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University Hospital Ghent.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|September 2, 2000
Summary
Enterococcus cecorum caused peritonitis in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. This rare human infection, originating from a bacterium common in animals, marks only the third reported case.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Enterococcus cecorum is a bacterium typically found in the intestinal tracts of domestic animals.
- Peritonitis is a serious inflammation of the peritoneum, often associated with dialysis procedures.
Observation:
- A case of peritonitis occurred in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
- The patient had a history of alcoholism.
Findings:
- Enterococcus cecorum was identified as the specific etiologic agent responsible for the CAPD peritonitis.
- This represents only the third documented instance of Enterococcus cecorum infection in humans.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for zoonotic transmission of Enterococcus cecorum to humans.
- Underscores the importance of considering Enterococcus species in peritonitis, even rare ones.
- Suggests a need for further surveillance of Enterococcus cecorum in human infections, particularly in immunocompromised or susceptible populations.