Campylobacter fetus Peritonitis in a Patient Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Peritonitis is a severe complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD).
• Gram-positive bacteria are the most common cause of PD-associated peritonitis.
• Rare microorganisms, such as Campylobacter fetus, can also cause PD peritonitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of Campylobacter fetus peritonitis in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory PD.
• To highlight the importance of accurate bacteriological diagnosis for treating uncommon causes of PD peritonitis.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a 60-year-old female patient on continuous ambulatory PD.
• Clinical presentation included fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
• Analysis of PD effluent for bacterial culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms consistent with peritonitis.
• Bacteriological examination of PD effluent revealed Campylobacter fetus in pure culture.
• Successful treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and amikacin resulted in a favorable outcome.

Conclusions:

• Campylobacter fetus is a rare but potential cause of peritonitis in PD patients.
• Optimal culture methods are essential for isolating fastidious bacteria like Campylobacter.
• Accurate diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are key to managing PD-associated peritonitis effectively.