Management of peritoneal dialysis Mycobacterium abscessus exit-site infection: A case report and literature review

Peritoneal dialysis associated infections are common and associated with high morbidity and mortality, if not treated in a timely manner. Mycobacterium abscessus is an uncommon pathogen in peritoneal dialysis associated infections, but is resistant to standard antimicrobial therapies used. Here we present a case of a 56 year-old male with end stage kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis for 7 years who developed a Mycobacterium abscessus exit-site infection. Peritonitis and peritoneal dialysis catheter tunneled line infections were ruled out and he was treated with linezolid, amikacin, and azithromycin. He required peritoneal dialysis catheter removal and hemodialysis conversion. Antibiotics were de-escalated based on erm inducibility and antibiotic sensitivities. Linezolid and amikacin were continued for approximately 7 total weeks, with complete resolution of the infection. Further research is needed to refine challenges in the management of Mycobacterium abscessus exit-site infections, including risk factors for development of Mycobacterium abscessus, optimal selection of empiric antibiotic therapies, duration of antibiotics, and peritoneal dialysis catheter re-insertion timing.