A cluster of rapidly growing mycobacterial peritoneal dialysis catheter exit-site infections

• Published in: American journal of kidney diseases Vol. 50; no. 1; p. e1
• Main Authors: Tse, Kai-Chung, Lui, Sing-Leung, Cheng, Vincent Chi-Chung, Yip, Terence Pok-Siu, Lo, Wai Kei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2007
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Catheters, Indwelling - adverse effects; Catheters, Indwelling - microbiology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium chelonae - isolation & purification; Mycobacterium fortuitum - isolation & purification; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous - etiology; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous - microbiology; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory - adverse effects
• DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2007.04.017

In this case series, a cluster of 5 consecutive peritoneal dialysis patients with atypical mycobacterial exit-site infections in a single center within 20 months are described. Clinical features, treatment, and outcomes are discussed. Most patients had been treated with prolonged systemic antibiotic therapy for recurrent bacterial exit-site infections in the preceding months, and all had used topical gentamicin ointment for exit-site infection treatment or prophylaxis. It is postulated that this might have predisposed them to atypical mycobacterial exit-site infection as a result of selection pressure on uncommon organisms.