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Peritonitis due to the dermatiaceous mold Exophiala dermatitidis complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal

J Greig1, M Harkness, P Taylor

  • 1Public Health Laboratory Service, Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK. jjrgreig@yahoo.co.uk

Insights

Exophiala dermatitidis, a fungus, can cause peritonitis in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Prompt treatment involving catheter removal and amphotericin B successfully resolved the infection, allowing a return to dialysis.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Exophiala (Wangiella) dermatitidis is a dematiaceous mold.
  • It is an opportunistic pathogen, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.

Observation:

  • A case of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis is presented.
  • The peritonitis was likely caused by environmental contamination with Exophiala (Wangiella) dermatitidis.

Findings:

  • Prompt removal of the peritoneal dialysis catheter was crucial.
  • Aggressive treatment with amphotericin B was administered.

Implications:

  • Successful management led to the patient's eventual return to peritoneal dialysis.
  • Highlights the importance of environmental control and timely intervention in managing fungal peritonitis in dialysis patients.

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