Aspergillus Peritonitis in Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: Review of the Literature and Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Although gram positive bacteriae are the most common causative microorganisms of chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) peritonitis, fungi are responsible for 1-15% of all cases. On the other hand, fungal peritonitis episodes may potentially cause serious consequences such as resistance to treatment, extended hospital stay and also a higher probability of death. Fungal peritonitis due to Aspergillus spp is relatively uncommon, but its mortality rate and severity is known to be even higher. It was our aim to conduct a review of the medical literature regarding the treatment and clinical outcome of Aspergillus related CPD peritonitis and to present two cases with Aspergillus related CPD events. Our current knowledge and the outcome of our two cases suggest that, despite the use of recommended therapeutic measures, Aspergillus induced fungal peritonitis in CPD patients may still be fatal. Therefore, there is a need for development of more efficient therapeutic approaches including the type, dose and route of antifungal therapy.