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[Protozoan infection (Blastocystis hominis) concomitant with Pseudomonas sp. peritonitis in continuous ambulatory
G Boccardo1, O De Prisco, G Ettari
1Unità Operativa Autonoma di Nefrologia e Dialisi, USSL 67, Ospedale Civile, Ceva Cuneo.
Abstract:
Case-report of protozoal infection (Blastocystis bominis) during Pseudomonas peritonitis in male patient with intestinal diverticulosis on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) treatment for chronic renal failure (CRF). Microscopic morphology and cultural characteristics are summarized from current literature. Photographic images in phase contrast from fresh-observation of faeces and peritoneal fluid are reported. Although other Protozoa (e.g. Acanthamoeba free-living) have already been found in dialysis fluid, this is the first case, referred in literature, of Blastocystis bominis infection in CAPD patients. Some pathogenetic hypothesis are done involving Blastocystis bominis in peritoneal infection, especially in immunodepressed patients like dialysed ones. Although many chemotherapeutics are provided for this protozoiasis during enteritis, in our case no supplement was required except specific antibiotic therapy for Pseudomonas infection. Symbion or pathogen? Is now-a-day the question which troubles parasitologists. Systemic research of Protozoa in dialysed patients is anyhow advisable.
Insights
This case report details the first instance of Blastocystis hominis infection in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for chronic renal failure (CRF). The protozoal infection occurred alongside Pseudomonas peritonitis, highlighting the need for systemic protozoa research in dialysis patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a treatment for chronic renal failure (CRF).
- Peritonitis is a known complication of CAPD, often caused by bacterial infections.
- Protozoal infections in CAPD patients are rare but warrant investigation.
Observation:
- A male patient with intestinal diverticulosis undergoing CAPD developed Pseudomonas peritonitis.
- During this episode, infection with Blastocystis hominis, a protozoan, was identified in the peritoneal fluid.
- Microscopic morphology and cultural characteristics of Blastocystis hominis were documented.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of Blastocystis hominis infection in a CAPD patient.
- The protozoan may play a role in peritoneal infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals like those on dialysis.
- Specific antibiotic therapy for Pseudomonas infection was sufficient; no additional treatment for Blastocystis hominis was required.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential role for Blastocystis hominis in peritoneal infections among CAPD patients.
- Systemic screening for protozoal infections in dialysis patients is recommended.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenic potential of Blastocystis hominis in immunocompromised hosts.