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Clostridium cadaveris: an unusual cause of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
R Herman1, I S Goldman, R Bronzo
1Department of Medicine, North Shore University Hospital-Cornell University Medical College, Manhasset, New York.
Abstract:
Bacterial peritonitis has been known to complicate severe liver disease. Aerobic organisms are responsible for the vast majority of cases, whereas anaerobic bacteria are responsible for less than 5% of all cases reported in the literature. We now report a case of Clostridium cadaveris anaerobic bacterial peritonitis in a 58-yr-old female, an organism that to our knowledge has not been previously implicated as an infectious agent in this entity.
Insights
This study reports a rare case of anaerobic bacterial peritonitis caused by Clostridium cadaveris in a patient with severe liver disease. This finding expands the known spectrum of pathogens responsible for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bacterial peritonitis is a common complication in patients with severe liver disease.
- Aerobic bacteria typically cause spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, accounting for over 95% of cases.
- Anaerobic bacterial peritonitis is rare, with limited documented cases.
Observation:
- A case of Clostridium cadaveris anaerobic bacterial peritonitis was observed in a 58-year-old female patient.
- The patient had underlying severe liver disease, a known risk factor for peritonitis.
- Clostridium cadaveris is an anaerobic organism not previously implicated in bacterial peritonitis.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of Clostridium cadaveris causing anaerobic bacterial peritonitis.
- The identification of this organism highlights the potential for unusual pathogens in liver disease complications.
- The patient's clinical presentation and management are detailed.
Implications:
- This case broadens the understanding of potential causative agents of bacterial peritonitis in liver disease.
- Clinicians should consider a wider range of anaerobic bacteria, including Clostridium cadaveris, in cases of peritonitis.
- Further research may be warranted to explore the prevalence and clinical significance of Clostridium cadaveris in liver disease.