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Ureaplasma urealyticum continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis diagnosed by 16S rRNA gene
Jessica E Yager1, Emily S Ford, Zachary P Boas
1Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA. jeyager@uw.edu
Abstract:
In some patients with peritonitis complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), a causative organism is never identified. We report a case of Ureaplasma urealyticum CAPD-associated peritonitis diagnosed by 16S rRNA gene PCR. Ureaplasma may be an underrecognized cause of peritonitis because it cannot be recovered using routine culture methods.
Insights
Ureaplasma urealyticum can cause peritonitis in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). This diagnosis was made using 16S rRNA gene PCR, as routine cultures failed to identify the organism.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Peritonitis is a serious complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
- In some CAPD peritonitis cases, the causative pathogen remains unidentified despite standard diagnostic methods.
- This diagnostic challenge can hinder appropriate treatment and patient management.
Observation:
- A case of CAPD-associated peritonitis was investigated.
- Standard microbiological cultures did not identify the causative agent.
- 16S rRNA gene PCR was employed for molecular diagnosis.
Findings:
- Ureaplasma urealyticum was identified as the causative organism using 16S rRNA gene PCR.
- This diagnosis was made despite negative results from conventional culture techniques.
- This highlights the potential for Ureaplasma to cause peritonitis.
Implications:
- Ureaplasma urealyticum may be an underrecognized pathogen in CAPD peritonitis.
- Molecular diagnostic methods like 16S rRNA gene PCR are crucial for identifying difficult-to-culture organisms.
- Improved diagnostic approaches could lead to better management of CAPD peritonitis.
