Campylobacter Peritonitis Complicating Peritoneal Dialysis: A Review of 12 Consecutive Cases

• Published in: Peritoneal dialysis international 2013-03, Vol.33 (2), p.189-194
• Main Authors: Ma, Terry King-wing, Lee, Kin Ping, Chow, Kai Ming, Pang, Wing Fai, Kwan, Bonnie Ching Ha, Leung, Chi Bon, Szeto, Cheuk Chun, Li, Philip Kam-tao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original
• ISSN: 0896-8608; 1718-4304
• DOI: 10.3747/pdi.2011.00323

♦ Background: Peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis secondary to Campylobacter organisms is uncommon. Few studies have assessed either treatment or clinical outcomes. ♦ Methods: We reviewed all Campylobacter peritonitis episodes occurring in a single dialysis unit from 1994 to 2011. ♦ Results: During the study period, 12 episodes of Campylobacter peritonitis (0.45% of all peritonitis episodes) were recorded. Diarrhea was uncommon (8.3%). The overall primary response rate was 91.7%; the complete cure rate was 75.0%. Among 6 patients who failed to respond to standard antibiotics by day 5, all improved after administration of an oral macrolide (erythromycin or clarithromycin). Of those 6 patients, 5 experienced a complete cure, and 1 patient experienced relapse of culture-negative peritonitis. No patient required Tenckhoff catheter removal or temporary hemodialysis support. The 30-day mortality was 0%. ♦ Conclusions: Campylobacter peritonitis might not respond to first-line conventional antibiotics, and an oral macrolide is recommended if Campylobacter is confirmed. The findings from our analysis do not support the use of fluoroquinolone, which is associated with a high resistance rate.