Ochrobactrum Peritonitis: Case Report and Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) are immunocompromised, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens.
• Peritonitis is a significant complication in PD, commonly caused by gram-positive bacteria, but gram-negative infections also occur.
• Accurate identification of the causative pathogen is critical for managing PD peritonitis effectively.

Observation:

• Ochrobactrum, a gram-negative bacillus found in aqueous environments, can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals.
• This report details the seventh known case of Ochrobactrum peritonitis in a PD patient, linked to suboptimal technique.
• The patient was a 67-year-old undergoing PD.

Findings:

• While Ochrobactrum peritonitis is rare, it poses a risk to PD patients.
• In this case, the infection was attributed to poor PD technique.
• Three out of seven reported Ochrobactrum peritonitis cases necessitated PD catheter removal.

Implications:

• This case underscores the need for vigilance regarding less common pathogens in PD peritonitis.
• Improved PD techniques may help prevent rare infections like Ochrobactrum peritonitis.
• Further research into Ochrobactrum infections in PD patients is warranted to guide clinical management.