Xenophilus aerolatus Peritonitis in a six-year-old boy on maintenance eritoneal dialysis

Peritonitis remains a significant complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Although most patients can be treated successfully with antibiotics and continue PD, the poorest outcomes are noted in patients with peritonitis secondary to gram-negative organisms, which may lead to temporary or permanent technique failure. Biofilm formation may result in. failure of appropriate antibiotic therapy to eradicate infection, necessitating catheter replacement or a switch to hemodialysis. Here, we report the first case of gram-negative peritonitis caused by Xenophilus aerolatus in a 6-year-old boy on continuous cycling PD. This case highlights the importance of close monitoring of clinical response and of collaboration with the microbiologist and microbiology lab in the identification of unusual organisms, their antimicrobial susceptibilities, and their expected characteristics.