CAPD peritonitis caused by Alcaligenes xylosoxidans in a diabetic cirrhosis patient

Abstract

Despite the advancement of disconnecting system, peritonitis remains one of the most common causes in patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). We report a cirrhosis patient undergoing CAPD who suffered from an episode of peritonitis caused by a rare pathogen, Alcaligenes xylosoxidans (AX). This organism rarely induces CAPD peritonitis and only nine cases were reported in the literature. This is the first case of AX-related CAPD peritonitis in cirrhosis patient. Infection with AX is more common in immunocompromised patients and is associated with a high mortality rate. Appropriate antibiotics and early removal of CAPD catheter may be life-saving in such rare infection.

Keywords:

• Alcaligenes xylosoxidans
• continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
• peritonitis
• cirrhosis
• immunocompromised