Aspergillus Niger Peritonitis in APD, Patient: a Case Report

Abstract

Fungal peritonitis represents an infectious life-threatening complication in chronic kidney disease patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). It causes more than 25% mortality rates (1, 2) often leading to patients' drop out from PD, Tenckhoff catheter removal and hospitalization. Causative diagnosis is often delayed because of non-specific clinical signs and symptoms in respect of bacterial infections and slow mycotic spores growth in coltures. Catheter removal is quickly recommended after microbiological or cultural mycotic identification based on International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis Guidelines/Recommendation 2010 update (3). Furthermore, international guidelines provide only few specific hints about drug choice, dosage, combination and length of antimycotic therapy; we must treat our patients for weeks or months most often. Our clinical report refers to a 70 years old woman, on APD (Automated Peritoneal Dialysis), who developed a fungal peritonitis by Aspergillus niger. Tenckhoff catheter was immediately removed and voriconazole intravenous treatment promptly started with consequent clinical improvement and complete recovery.