A very rare pathogen in peritoneal dialysis peritonitis: Serratia liquefaciens

Abstract

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) peritonitis has been decreasing in frequency in recent years. However, it still causes significant morbidity and mortality. Nearly 1%–6% of all peritonitis attacks result in death. Hospitalizations, loss of PD access, and intravascular catheter insertion for hemodialysis are some examples of morbidity. Approximately 15%–20% of the infectious mortality of PD patients is attributed to peritonitis. The responsible pathogens are usually Gram-positive bacteria, but unusual pathogens may be present. Prognosis is worse when Gram-negative and fungal pathogens are involved. We report a case of Serratia liquefaciens peritonitis due to defiance of hygienic practices which presented with severe abdominal pain and fever and led to loss of PD access.