Peritonitis caused by Campylobacter jejuni and serologically confirmed in a patient being treated with continuous

D J Goodman1, K A Wise

  • 1Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.

Insights

This case study details Campylobacter jejuni peritonitis in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patient. Antibody tests confirmed C. jejuni as the cause despite initial diagnostic uncertainty.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a treatment for kidney failure.
  • Peritonitis is a serious complication in CAPD patients.
  • Campylobacter jejuni is a common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis.

Observation:

  • A CAPD patient developed peritonitis.
  • The causative organism, Campylobacter jejuni, was difficult to identify initially.
  • Symptoms resolved quickly with minimal antibiotics, and no preceding diarrhea was reported.

Findings:

  • Serial antibody level testing (IgM, IgA, IgG) demonstrated acute seroconversion.
  • This seroconversion confirmed Campylobacter jejuni as the etiological agent of peritonitis.
  • The diagnostic challenge was overcome by immunological evidence.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering Campylobacter jejuni in CAPD peritonitis, even with atypical presentations.
  • Suggests serological testing can be crucial for diagnosing challenging infectious cases in immunocompromised or dialysis patients.
  • Emphasizes the need for prompt and accurate diagnosis of peritonitis in CAPD to prevent complications.

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