Staphylococcus auricularis an uncommon pathogen in peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis: a case report

Montesinos Valencia L.; Portocarrero Bejarano D.; Bellatin Luque N.; Vizcarra Vizcarra C.A. · Revista Colombiana de Nefrologia (2025) · DOI: 10.22265/acnef.12.2.890

Resumen

Background: Peritoneal dialysis related-peritonitis is caused by Gram-positive germs, however, it is very rare to find Staphylococcus Auricularis, which is part of the normal flora of the external auditory canal and there are only two reported cases of peritonitis due to this microorganism. Purpose: To report the third case of peritoneal dialysis related-peritonitis caused by Staphylococcus Auricularis and the possible association between the infection and the patient’s profession (health professional). Case presentation: A 28-year-old female patient on peritoneal dialysis presented with cloudy peritoneal fluid and abdominal pain. The peritoneal fluid cell count was 2120 leukocytes/mm3 . Empiric antibiotic therapy was initiated with intraperitoneal cefazolin and Amikacin. The fluid remained cloudy despite the treatment, and the culture reported Oxacillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Auricularis, sensitive to Vancomycin. Antibiotics were switched to Vancomycin; however, the evolution was unfavorable and it was decided to remove the Tenckhoff catheter. Discussion and conclusion: Staphylococcus Auricularis should be considered as a potential pathogen in peritoneal dialysis related-peritonitis, with possible hospital transmission and high rate of failure to antibiotic treatment.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica de Santa María