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Rhodococcus peritonitis in a patient treated with peritoneal dialysis.
1Division of Nephrology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
Summary
Peritonitis in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patient was caused by Rhodococcus species, a rare pathogen. Clinicians should recognize these bacteria to avoid misdiagnosis as mycobacteria or contaminants.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a common treatment for end-stage renal disease.
- Peritonitis is a serious complication of CAPD, often caused by common bacteria.
- Rhodococcus species are typically considered non-pathogenic or rarely pathogenic in humans.
Observation:
- A patient undergoing CAPD developed peritonitis.
- The causative organism was identified as a Rhodococcus species.
- This represents the first reported case of peritonitis linked to Rhodococcus.
Findings:
- Rhodococcus species can cause peritonitis in CAPD patients.
- These bacteria possess acid-fast properties, potentially leading to confusion with mycobacteria.
- Rhodococcus should not be dismissed as mere contaminants in clinical samples.
Implications:
- Clinicians must be aware of Rhodococcus as a potential pathogen in CAPD-associated peritonitis.
- Accurate identification of Rhodococcus is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment.
- This finding expands the spectrum of known pathogens associated with peritoneal dialysis complications.