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Failure to cure Mycobacterium gordonae peritonitis associated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
C Harro1, G L Braden, A B Morris
1Department of Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts 01199, USA.
Abstract:
Nontuberculous mycobacteria are increasingly recognized as important pathogens in peritonitis associated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Mycobacterium gordonae rarely causes human infection and is the least likely mycobacterium to produce clinical infection in CAPD patients. We describe a patient with persistent M. gordonae peritonitis acquired while undergoing CAPD. During 18 months of treatment, clinical improvement occurred but a microbiological cure could not be achieved. Principles of therapy for mycobacterial peritonitis developing during CAPD are reviewed, and potential explanations for our patient's failure to respond to therapy are discussed.
Insights
Persistent Mycobacterium gordonae peritonitis is rare in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. This case highlights challenges in achieving microbiological cure despite clinical improvement during long-term treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are emerging pathogens in peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis.
- Mycobacterium gordonae is infrequently implicated in human infections, especially in the context of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
Observation:
- A case of persistent Mycobacterium gordonae peritonitis in a CAPD patient is presented.
- The patient underwent 18 months of treatment for the infection.
Findings:
- Clinical improvement was observed during the treatment period.
- A microbiological cure for Mycobacterium gordonae peritonitis was not achieved despite extensive treatment.
- This suggests potential challenges in eradicating M. gordonae from the peritoneal cavity in CAPD patients.
Implications:
- The findings underscore the difficulty in treating M. gordonae peritonitis in CAPD patients.
- Review of therapeutic principles for mycobacterial peritonitis in CAPD is warranted.
- Further research into treatment strategies for refractory M. gordonae infections in this population is needed.