Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Candida tropicalis Spontaneous Fungal Peritonitis in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis: A Case Report
Adam Rushford1, Joshua Haron Abasszade1, Bryan Tan2
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
Introduction:
Spontaneous fungal peritonitis is a less common yet serious complication of liver cirrhosis with high mortality rates. Awareness of spontaneous fungal peritonitis may improve patient outcomes by increasing early identification and treatment.
Case Presentation:
We present a case of a 66-year-old female who was admitted to an Australian tertiary hospital with abdominal tenderness and distension on a background of Child-Pugh C liver cirrhosis secondary to increased alcohol intake. Ascitic fluid culture identified the fungus Candida tropicalis as the causative pathogen of spontaneous fungal peritonitis.
Conclusion:
We outline appropriate investigations, and management in treating C. tropicalis spontaneous fungal peritonitis, a rare pathogen in spontaneous peritonitis complicating cirrhosis.
Insights
Spontaneous fungal peritonitis, a serious complication of liver cirrhosis, requires prompt recognition. This case highlights Candida tropicalis as a rare cause, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and treatment to improve patient survival.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Spontaneous fungal peritonitis (SFP) is a severe complication in liver cirrhosis patients.
- It is associated with high mortality rates, underscoring the need for timely diagnosis.
- Increased awareness of SFP can improve patient outcomes through earlier identification and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Candidiasis
Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
