A Silent Threat Unveiled: Mycobacterium gordonae Catheter-Related Peritonitis in a Patient on Peritoneal Dialysis

Infectious complications in peritoneal dialysis (PD) remain a constant challenge, with atypical pathogens posing significant risks. This case from Thailand highlights the rare occurrence of Mycobacterium gordonae, an often-overlooked non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM), as the causative agent in a catheter-related exit-site infection that progressed to peritonitis. Initially misattributed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa from preceding exit-site infections, M. gordonae was ultimately identified as the primary pathogen through multiple effluent cultures and advance polymerase chain reaction sequencing. This case underscores the importance of heightened clinical suspicion, early and accurate diagnosis, and timely interventions to prevent severe complications, including hemodialysis transfer.