Under-Recognized Pathogens in Peritoneal Dialysis Associated-Peritonitis: The Importance of Early Detection.

Peritoneal dialysis-associated-peritonitis remains a major concern, increasing patient morbidity and mortality. Empirical antibiotics should be quickly started to allow a rapid resolution of symptoms and preservation of the peritoneal membrane. We report a case of peritoneal dialysis-associated-peritonitis due to and , in a 51-year-old male. Suspected peritonitis led to an immediate prescription of vancomycin and ceftazidime, with no clinical improvement. is difficult to identify in culture since it's a gram-negative anaerobic bacterium, so metronidazole administration was delayed over days. New diagnostic techniques have been explored for the early diagnosis of peritonitis, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for bacterial DNA fragments. A multiplex PCR panel that includes , already available for other applications, could be an advantage in cases like this.