Streptococcal PD peritonitis--a 10-year review of one centre's experience

Detailed descriptive studies focusing on streptococcal peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis are lacking. Most of the current information is available through isolated case reports.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of our peritoneal dialysis (PD) peritonitis database over the last decade to study the clinical profile and treatment outcomes of streptococcal peritonitis.

A total of 68 patients (age: 57.12 +/- 16.6 years; male: 58.7%) with 104 episodes of streptococcal peritonitis (11.7% of total peritonitis) were identified. Of the patients, 18 (26.4%) were considered immunocompromised [failed renal transplant, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)] and 28 (41.1%) had diabetes. Streptococcus viridans accounted for the majority (94 episodes: 90.3%) of the streptococcal peritonitis. One patient developed S. viridans peritonitis after dental cleaning without antibiotic prophylaxis. Two (1.9%) infections with S. agalactiae and S. bovis each and seven (6.7%) with non-haemolytic Streptococcus were noted. Three patients had hospital-acquired infection. Twenty-six (25%) episodes needed 8 +/- 5.9 days of hospitalization. Concurrent infection with two organisms accounted for 17 (16.3%) episodes. Cefazolin (71) and vancomycin (29) were the primary antibiotics used for the treatment. Five episodes needed two antibiotics and one patient required antifungal treatment. A third of the patients (33.3%) had peritonitis that resolved slowly, although the majority of those (94%) did ultimately resolve with antibiotics alone. Five (4.8%) episodes required removal of the PD catheter. Three of them were associated with dual infections (one each with yeast, Stenotrophomonas and Enterococcus). Relapse occurred in eight (7.6%) episodes, and 11 (10.5%) recurred over the period from 4 weeks to 6 months after treatment.

Streptococci remain a significant cause of PD peritonitis. Viridans strep is the primary subtype responsible. Isolated infections with these organisms are associated with slower response, good outcome and higher rates of recurrence.