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Published on: June 11, 2011

Haemophilus influenzae CAPD peritonitis in an HIV-infected patient

Mayurika Ghosh1, Jennifer Eras

  • 1Division of Infectious Disease, St Agnes Hospital, 900 Caton Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229, USA. mghoshmd@yahoo.com <mghoshmd@yahoo.com>

The Journal of Infection
|August 29, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Haemophilus influenzae rarely causes CAPD peritonitis. This report details the first HIV-positive patient with this infection, successfully treated with intraperitoneal ampicillin without catheter removal.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) peritonitis is a serious complication.
  • Haemophilus influenzae is an uncommon pathogen in CAPD peritonitis.
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can alter susceptibility to infections.

Observation:

  • A case of CAPD peritonitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae in an HIV-positive patient is presented.
  • The patient presented with symptoms indicative of peritonitis.

Findings:

  • The patient received a two-week course of intraperitoneal ampicillin.
  • Treatment with intraperitoneal ampicillin was successful in resolving the peritonitis.
  • Peritoneal dialysis catheter removal was not necessary for successful treatment.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the possibility of Haemophilus influenzae causing CAPD peritonitis in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Intraperitoneal ampicillin is an effective treatment option for this specific type of peritonitis.
  • Conservative management, avoiding catheter removal, may be feasible in select cases.

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