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Asymptomatic Effluent Protozoa Colonization in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Liliana Simões-Silva1, Inês Correia2, Joana Barbosa3
1i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal Serviço de Microbiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Summary
Protozoa were found in the peritoneal dialysis (PD) effluent of asymptomatic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This suggests PD fluid may harbor asymptomatic parasitic infections, warranting further clinical investigation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a global health challenge.
- CKD patients exhibit impaired immunity, increasing infection risks.
- Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a common treatment for CKD, but susceptible to infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate protozoa colonization in PD effluent of asymptomatic CKD patients.
- To identify the types of protozoa present in PD fluid.
- To assess the prevalence of asymptomatic parasitic infections in PD patients.
Main Methods:
- Collected overnight PD effluent from 49 stable, asymptomatic PD patients.
- Performed microscopic analysis of PD effluent for protozoa cysts and trophozoites.
- Utilized direct wet mount and stained smear techniques for detection.
Main Results:
- Protozoa were detected in the PD effluent of 10.2% of patients.
- Identified protozoa included Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba sp., Giardia sp., and Endolimax nana.
- No patients exhibited clinical signs or symptoms of peritonitis during screening.
Conclusions:
- PD effluent can be a site for asymptomatic protozoa colonization.
- The clinical significance of these findings requires further research.
- Highlights a potential, undetected parasitic burden in PD patients.
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