Acute infectious peritonitis caused by Vibrio fluvialis

Ja Young Lee1, Joo Sang Park, Seung Hwan Oh

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 614-735, South Korea.

Insights

Vibrio fluvialis, a bacterium causing gastroenteritis, was identified as the cause of peritonitis in a trauma patient. This is the first reported case of non-continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-related acute peritonitis linked to this pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Vibrio fluvialis is a Gram-negative, halophilic bacterium known primarily for causing gastroenteritis.
  • The pathogenic potential of V. fluvialis extends beyond gastrointestinal infections, though reports are rare.

Observation:

  • A case of acute peritonitis occurred in a patient following a traumatic traffic accident.
  • The patient had undergone non-continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Findings:

  • Vibrio fluvialis was identified as the causative agent of the peritonitis.
  • This represents the first documented instance of V. fluvialis causing non-continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-related acute peritonitis.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for V. fluvialis to cause severe, non-gastrointestinal infections in immunocompromised or traumatized individuals.
  • Suggests the need for considering V. fluvialis in the differential diagnosis of peritonitis, especially in patients with relevant exposure or risk factors.
  • Underscores the importance of microbiological identification in managing complex infections associated with medical devices or procedures.

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