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A case of Acremonium strictum peritonitis

Asli Gamze Sener1, Mine Yucesoy, Seckin Senturkun

  • 1Ataturk Training and Research Hospital Clinical Microbiology Department, Izmir, Turkey. agsener@gmail.com

Medical Mycology
|July 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Opportunistic fungal infections, like Acremonium strictum, are increasingly recognized causes of illness and death. This case highlights Acremonium strictum peritonitis in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Opportunistic fungal infections are significant causes of morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Acremonium species are known to cause infections, occasionally invasive, even in immunocompetent hosts.
  • Peritonitis is a frequent complication in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

Observation:

  • This report details a case of peritonitis in a patient on CAPD.
  • The causative agent identified was Acremonium strictum, a mold.
  • While yeasts and other molds can cause CAPD peritonitis, Acremonium strictum is a less common etiology.

Findings:

  • Acremonium strictum was confirmed as the cause of peritonitis in this CAPD patient.
  • This case expands the spectrum of fungal pathogens implicated in CAPD-associated peritonitis.
  • The successful management of this infection underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis and targeted antifungal therapy.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for Acremonium strictum to cause invasive disease, even in the context of CAPD.
  • Emphasizes the need for vigilance in diagnosing fungal peritonitis in CAPD patients, considering diverse fungal agents.
  • Suggests that prompt identification and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in such cases.

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