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Peritonitis due to Penicillium sp in a patient receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

J Fahhoum1, M S Gelfand

  • 1Department of Medical Education, Methodist Hospitals of Memphis, Tenn., USA.

Southern Medical Journal
|January 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

A rare fungal infection, Penicillium peritonitis, complicated continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). This second reported case highlights successful treatment via catheter removal and antifungal therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Mycology

Background:

  • Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a common renal replacement therapy.
  • Infectious peritonitis is a significant complication of CAPD, often bacterial.
  • Fungal peritonitis is a rare but serious complication of CAPD.

Observation:

  • A second case of CAPD-related peritonitis caused by Penicillium species is presented.
  • Fungal colonies were observed on the internal surface of the CAPD catheter.
  • The patient presented with symptoms consistent with peritonitis.

Findings:

  • The infection was successfully treated with the removal of the CAPD catheter.
  • Intravenous administration of amphotericin B was effective in eradicating the fungal infection.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering fungal pathogens in refractory or unusual peritonitis cases.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for managing fungal peritonitis in CAPD patients.
  • Catheter removal is often a necessary component of successful treatment.
  • Further research may be needed to elucidate the specific risk factors and optimal management strategies for fungal peritonitis in CAPD.

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