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Colon Ascendens Stent Peritonitis (CASP) - a Standardized Model for Polymicrobial Abdominal Sepsis
Published on: December 18, 2010
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis from Streptococcus salivarius in a compromised host
1Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. mike.peterson@utahtelehealth.net
The Journal of Infection
|October 22, 2002
Summary
A patient with cirrhosis experienced sudden deterioration, showing signs of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Streptococcus salivarius was identified as the cause in the peritoneal fluid, highlighting a rare infection in liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Cirrhosis is a severe liver condition often complicated by ascites.
- Resistant ascites poses significant management challenges in patients with chronic liver disease.
- Hepatitis C and alcohol abuse are common etiologies for cirrhosis.
Observation:
- A patient with cirrhosis and resistant ascites presented with abrupt clinical deterioration.
- Symptoms included encephalopathy, abdominal pain, and tenderness, raising suspicion for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).
- Analysis of peritoneal fluid revealed a high granulocyte count.
Findings:
- Streptococcus salivarius was isolated from the patient's ascitic fluid.
- This finding indicates a specific bacterial cause for the suspected SBP.
- The identification of Streptococcus salivarius is crucial for targeted antibiotic therapy.
Implications:
- This case highlights Streptococcus salivarius as a potential pathogen in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
- Early identification and appropriate treatment are vital for improving outcomes in critically ill cirrhotic patients.
- Further research may elucidate the specific risk factors and prevalence of Streptococcus salivarius in SBP.
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