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Algal peritonitis complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Summary
A rare case of algal peritonitis caused by Prototheca wickerhamii in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patient required catheter removal and led to complications. This highlights the challenges of Prototheca infections in CAPD patients.
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 bacterial infections.
- Algal peritonitis is an extremely rare form of peritonitis.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old woman undergoing CAPD developed peritonitis.
- Prototheca wickerhamii, a type of alga, was identified in her dialysate.
- Despite antifungal treatment with amphotericin B, the patient's condition necessitated the removal of her Tenckhoff catheter.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of Prototheca-induced algal peritonitis in a CAPD patient.
- Intraperitoneal adhesions formed after catheter removal, preventing reinsertion.
- Prototheca species are infrequently implicated in human infections.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare pathogens like Prototheca in refractory peritonitis cases.
- Management of Prototheca peritonitis in CAPD patients may require a multidisciplinary approach.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and optimal treatment strategies for algal peritonitis in CAPD.