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Recurrent peritonitis: evidence for possible viral etiology
1Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque 87131.
Summary
Viral peritonitis is a potential cause of recurrent, culture-negative peritonitis in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Consider viral causes, especially when antibiotics are ineffective.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a common treatment for end-stage renal disease.
- Peritonitis is a serious complication of CAPD, often caused by bacterial infections.
- Culture-negative peritonitis presents a diagnostic challenge.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old woman on CAPD experienced recurrent peritonitis with cloudy effluents and elevated lymphocyte counts.
- Standard bacterial cultures of peritoneal dialysis effluent (PDE) were negative.
- The patient did not respond to conventional antibiotic treatment.
Findings:
- Viral cultures of PDE were positive, indicating a viral infection.
- Serological tests revealed viral antibodies in both serum and PDE.
- Hematological findings and cell surface receptor studies supported a viral etiology.
Implications:
- This case highlights viral peritonitis as a potential cause of culture-negative peritonitis in CAPD patients.
- Clinicians should consider viral infections in refractory peritonitis cases.
- Further investigation into viral causes may improve patient outcomes and guide treatment strategies.