Micrococcus aloeverae - A Rare Cause of Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis Confirmed by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Nephrology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an increasingly common treatment for kidney failure worldwide.
• Peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneum, is a serious complication of PD.
• Accurate identification of causative pathogens is essential for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first known case of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) peritonitis caused by Micrococcus aloeverae.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges in differentiating M. aloeverae from M. luteus.
• To emphasize the utility of 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequencing in identifying Micrococcus species.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 59-year-old female patient with CAPD peritonitis.
• Initial diagnosis based on dialysate cultures identifying Micrococcus luteus.
• Definitive identification of Micrococcus aloeverae using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with abdominal pain and CAPD peritonitis.
• Initial empirical antibiotic treatment was partially effective, but infection recurred.
• Dialysate cultures repeatedly yielded M. luteus, but 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed M. aloeverae.
• Treatment required vancomycin and temporary switch to hemodialysis.

Conclusions:

• Micrococcus aloeverae is a rare but potential cause of CAPD peritonitis.
• Distinguishing M. aloeverae from M. luteus can be challenging with standard culture methods.
• 16S rRNA gene sequencing is a valuable tool for accurate identification of these closely related bacteria.