Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis with Sepsis Caused by Enterococcus hirae

Selective intestinal decontamination (SID) with norfloxacin has been widely used for the prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) because of a high recurrence rate and preventive effect of SID for SBP. However, it does select resistant gut flora and may lead to SBP caused by unusual pathogens such as quinolone-resistant gram-negative bacilli or gram-positive cocci. Enterococcus hirae is known to cause infections mainly in animals, but is rarely encountered in humans. We report the first case of SBP by E. hirae in a cirrhotic patient who have previously received an oral administration of norfloxacin against SBP caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and presented in septic shock.     

Klebsiella pneumoniae septic arthritis in a cirrhotic patient with hepatocellular carcinoma

Despite septic arthritis is increasingly being reported in elderly patients with diabetes or alcoholism, reported cases of spontaneous bacterial arthritis in cirrhotic patients are extremely rare. We present the first reported case of K. pneumoniae septic arthritis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in a cirrhotic patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. K. pneumoniae, one of the most common causative organisms of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients, was isolated from both the blood and the joint fluid, which suggests that the route of infection was hematogenous. After the treatment with cefotaxime and closed tube drainage, the condition of the patient was improved, and subsequently, the joint fluid became sterile and the blood cultures were proved negative. Therefore, this case provides further evidence for the mode of infection being bacteremia in cirrhotic patients and suggests that the enteric bacteremia in cirrhotics may cause infection in different organ systems.     

Clinical features and outcome of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in HIV-infected cirrhotic patients: a case-control study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcome of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, a serious complication in patients with cirrhosis and ascites, in an HIV-infected cirrhotic population. Thirty-five HIV-infected cirrhotic patients who developed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis during a 12-year period were compared with 70 non-HIV-infected cirrhotic subjects. Patients were matched according to the date of the first episode of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. A bacteriological diagnosis was made in 37 of 47 (79%) and in 50 of 97 (52%) episodes in the HIV group and in the non-HIV group, respectively (p=0.003), and Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated more frequently in the HIV group (22 vs. 8%, p=0.02). Median survival after the initial diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was 2.9 and 14.0 months in the HIV group and non-HIV group, respectively. Age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04; 95%CI 1.01–1.07), male sex (HR 2.55; 95%CI 1.34–4.83), Child–Pugh score at first spontaneous bacterial peritonitis episode (HR 1.29; 95%CI 1.10–1.54), renal impairment at first spontaneous bacterial peritonitis episode (HR 2.61; 95%CI 1.49–4.62), and HIV infection (HR 9.81; 95%CI 4.03–23.84) were independently associated with higher long-term mortality after the first diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. In conclusion, HIV-infected cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis have a higher rate of bacteriological diagnosis and a more frequent pneumococcal etiology than non-HIV-infected subjects. Life expectancy in these patients, once spontaneous bacterial peritonitis has developed, is poor. These data are particularly relevant for determining the optimal time for liver transplantation in this population.     

Citrobacter Peritoneal Dialysis Peritonitis: Rare Occurrence with Poor Outcomes

Introduction: Non-Pseudomonas gram-negative bacteria are responsible for an increasing proportion of cases of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis. The role of Citrobacter species in the etiology of PD-related peritonitis is often underestimated. In the present study, we aimed to describe the clinical features, laboratory findings, and short- and long-term outcomes in PD-related peritonitis caused by Citrobacter.Methods: A retrospective review of all episodes of PD-related peritonitis caused by Citrobacter from a single center between 1990 and 2010 was performed. Clinical features, microbiological data, and outcomes of these episodes were analyzed.Results: Citrobacter species was responsible for 11 PD-related episodes (1.8% of all peritonitis episodes) in 8 patients. Citrobacter freundii was the most common etiologic species (73%), and mixed growth was found in the other 3 episodes (27%). Approximately half (46%) of the episodes were associated with constipation and/or diarrhea. Of the Citrobacter isolates from all episodes, 54% were resistant to cefazolin, and only 18% were susceptible to cefmetazole. All isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime, cefepime, carbapenem, and aminoglycosides. More than half of the patients (54%) were hospitalized for index peritonitis, and 27% of the episodes involved a change in antibiotic medication. One patient had relapsing peritonitis caused by C. koseri (9%). The mortality rate of PD-related peritonitis caused by Citrobacter was 18%, and 89% of surviving patients developed technique failure requiring a modality switch after an average of 12 months of follow-up (range 1.2-31.2 months).Conclusion: PD-related peritonitis caused by Citrobacter is associated with poor outcomes, including high rates of antibiotic resistance, a high mortality rate, and a high rate of technique failure among survivors during the follow-up period.     

Spontaneous fungal peritonitis: a severe complication in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis

Treatment of cirrhotic patients with spontaneous peritonitis using antibiotics occasionally fails. Fungal infections may be one of the causes of antibiotic treatment failure in such patients. In this study we evaluated the clinical significance and characteristics of spontaneous fungal peritonitis (SFP). Consecutive cirrhotic patients with spontaneous peritonitis treated between 2000 and 2005 at a tertiary care center in Seoul, Korea, were included. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and the prognosis of SFP patients compared with patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). During the study period 416 patients developed spontaneous peritonitis and 15 (3.6 %) had SFP. Compared with patients with SBP, nosocomial peritonitis (peritonitis that developed after hospitalization for >72 h) was more common and the Child–Pugh score was higher in SFP patients (both, P?<?0.01). Ten patients were infected with Candida spp. (C. albicans, 8; C. tropicalis, 1; C. glabrata, 1), and 5 with Cryptococcus neoformans. Eleven patients were co-infected with bacteria that were susceptible to the antibiotics administered. Only 5 patients were treated using appropriate anti-fungal agents. The 1-month mortality rate for SFP patients was 73.3 % (11 out of 15; median time to death, 2 days [range, 0–22]), which was significantly higher than patients with SBP alone (28.7 %, P?=?0.0007). SFP is severe complication related to high mortality in cirrhotic patients. A longer admission and a higher Child–Pugh score may be risk factors. Immediate anti-fungal treatment is warranted in patients with spontaneous peritonitis, once fungus is found in the ascitic fluid.     

Serial analysis of serum and ascitic fluid levels of soluble adhesion molecules and chemokines in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

The aim of this work was the evaluation of serum and ascitic fluid levels of chemokines (IL-8, growth-regulated oncogene (Gro-alpha), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1)), and of soluble adhesion molecules (P-selectin, E-selectin, L-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)) in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). These compounds were serially analysed in serum and ascitic fluid by ELISA in patients with SBP (n = 20), non-infected cirrhotic controls (n = 12), and healthy controls (n = 15). Infected and non-infected cirrhotic patients showed significantly higher serum levels of adhesion molecules. SBP was associated with significantly higher serum and ascitic fluid levels of IL-8, Gro-alpha and ICAM-1 and with ascitic fluid concentrations of MCP-1. Significantly elevated serum levels of both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were detected in patient non-survivors after SBP. Thus, higher ascitic fluid levels of chemokines could be implicated in the peritoneal infiltrate in patients with SBP. Prognostic significance can be attributed to serum levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in these patients.     

Cryptococcus peritonitis a rare manifestation in HIV positive host: a case report

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast found ubiquitously in the environment and causes serious infections in immunocompromised populations. Disseminated disease is uncommon and very rarely manifests as peritonitis. We report a case of cryptococcal peritonitis in a HIV positive patient, who presented with distention of abdomen, vomiting, and dyspnoea, where the diagnosis was made on cytological smears of ascitic fluid. The importance of making a quick diagnosis utilizing cytological smears is emphasized and the cytological features are demonstrated. Disseminated cryptococcosis, particularly with peritonitis, is an uncommon manifestation of C. neoformans infection. A high clinical suspicion and early initiation of therapy is needed to recognize and treat patients effectively.     

Inhibition of HIV entry by extracellular glucuronoxylomannan of Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcosis, caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, is the most common opportunistic fungal disease in HIV/AIDS patients. The prognosis of AIDS patients with Cryptococcus infection is very poor. One of the major characteristics in cryptococcosis patients is the presence of high concentrations of the cryptococcal capsule polysaccharide (CCP) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid. CCP enhances HIV replication in H9 T-cells, but the mechanism is unknown. In this study, we tested whether extracellular glucuronoxylomannan (GXM), a major component of CCP, enhances HIV entry using replication-incompetent HIV and a cell line which expresses a stable amount of CD4 and both of the HIV co-receptors. Extracellular GXM had no effect on cell-cell fusion however; viral entry surprisingly was inhibited by GXM. Hence, any enhancement of replication must be due to an effect that occurs post-entry.     

Cryptococcal peritonitis complicating a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in unsuspected cryptococcal meningitis

A 34 year old male was hospitalized because of the probability of a posterior fossa lesion that had increased intracranial pressure. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was implanted, resulting in partial resolution of symptoms. Subsequently Cryptococcus neoformans was cultured from the cerebrospinal fluid and a diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis was made. Despite amphotericin B therapy, the patient continued to deteriorate and died on the eighty-fifth day of hospitalization. Autopsy demonstrated cryptococcal meningitis and cerebral edema. An unexpected finding was cryptococcal peritonitis, which was not associated with disseminated disease. This case is unique because cryptococcal peritonitis is rare, and the spread of the organism occurred through a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.     

肝硬化合并自发性腹膜炎的治疗分析

目的分析并总结肝硬化合并自发性腹膜炎的治疗方法。方法收集123例肝硬化合并自发性腹膜炎患者,随机分成观察组（n=63）与对照组（n=60）。观察组先予以广谱抗生素治疗,等细菌检测结果出来后立即换用敏感抗生素;对照组予以左氧氟沙星静脉滴注治疗。治疗结束后评价各组的临床疗效。结果观察组有效率93.65%,对照组有效率66.67%,两组相比,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论肝硬化合并自发性腹膜炎的治疗应合理选择抗生素,先予以广谱抗生素治疗,等细菌检测结果出来后立即换用敏感抗生素,该原则行之有效,值得临床推广与应用。     

Evaluation of the BioFire® FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis panel in an adult and pediatric Ugandan population

BackgroundMeningitis causes significant mortality in sub-Saharan Africa and limited diagnostics exist. We evaluated the utility of the BioFire® FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis multiplex PCR panel (BioFire ME) in HIV-infected adults and HIV-infected and uninfected children presenting with suspected meningitis in Uganda.MethodsWe tested cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using a stepwise meningitis diagnostic algorithm including BioFire ME. We determined the diagnostic performance of BioFire ME for cryptococcal meningitis, using cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) and CSF culture as reference standards, and assessed other central nervous system (CNS) pathogens identified by the panel.ResultsWe evaluated 328 adult and 42 pediatric CSF specimens using BioFire ME. Of the adult CSF samples tested, 258 were obtained at baseline, and 70 were obtained from repeat lumbar punctures in cryptococcal meningitis. For Cryptococcus, sensitivity was 82%, specificity was 98%, PPV was 98%, and NPV was 79% in baseline specimens using CSF CrAg as the reference standard. Among follow-up specimens, a negative BioFire ME for Cryptococcus predicted CSF culture sterility with 84% NPV. Overall sensitivity was decreased at low fungal burdens: 29% for 0–99 Cryptococcus CFU/mL compared to 94% for ≥100 CFU/mL in baseline specimens. Other pathogens detected included E. Coli, H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, CMV, enterovirus, HSV, HHV-6, and VZV. Two specimens tested positive for S. pneumoniae and one for Cryptococcus in the pediatric population.ConclusionsMultiplex PCR is a promising rapid diagnostic test for meningitis in adults and children in resource-limited settings. Cryptococcus at low fungal burdens in CSF may be missed by BioFire ME.     

Spontaneous cryptococcal peritonitis in cirrhotic patients

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a common complication in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. However, spontaneous peritonitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans is uncommon. Delayed diagnosis of cryptococcal peritonitis often results in death. We describe three cases of spontaneous cryptococcal peritonitis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. One case had associated symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus infection. Clinical awareness of this entity may lead to the early diagnosis and proper treatment.     

Prevalence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in asymptomatic inpatients with decompensated liver cirrhosis - a pilot study

PurposeTo assess the prevalence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in asymptomatic patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.Material and methodsPatients (pts) with symptoms of decompensation of liver cirrhosis, ascites, and no signs indicating SBP were included to our study. Exclusion criteria include: 1/ clinical symptoms of infection, 2/ developing de novo or worsening hepatic encephalopathy, 3/ gastrointestinal bleeding within the last month, 4/ renal failure, 5/ antibiotic treatment or norfloxacin prophylaxis at admission. About 60 ml of ascitic fluid were drawn for lab examination. Pathologic assessment for atypical cells was also performed.Results37 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Their mean age was 56.2 ± 12.1. The Child- Pugh classification revealed 13 (35.1%) patients of class B and 24 (64.9%) patients of class C. The mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score in this group was 16.6 ± 6.8. The mean ascitic protein content was 1.85 ± 1.09 g/dL and mean neutrophil count 144.8 ± 445.1/mm3. Ascitic fluid analysis revealed: signs of bacterascites in 6 of 37 (16.2%) pts; neutrocytic ascites in 1 of 37 (2.7%) pts; and 2 of 37 (5.4%) pts met criteria for SBP. C-reactive protein level was the best predictor of infection [SBP(+) 47.9 ± 40.9 versus SBP(-) 11.7 ± 5.1; p= 0.0005].ConclusionsThe prevalence of SBP in asymptomatic cirrhotics with ascites is low. We observed the trend towards more frequent occurrence of the infection in patients suffered from severe liver disease (Child-Pugh C group).     

Pancytopenia and cutaneous cryptococcosis as an indicator disease of acquired immune deficiency syndrome

We present a case of pancytopenia and cutaneous cryptococcosis in a young girl with no complaints of fever, headache and vomiting. Fine-needle aspiration cytology and further investigation for pancytopenia revealed presence of Cryptococcus in skin and bone marrow aspirates. Fungal cultures of the skin aspirates, blood and bone marrow confirmed cryptococcal infection. Counselling and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test revealed the status of the patient to be retropositive. Although meningitis is the commonest manifestation of cryptococcosis among HIV-infected patients, rare cutaneous manifestation with pancytopenia but with no meningeal signs indicate the HIV status in an endemic area of penicilliosis, Manipur.     

Clinical Significance of Serum CA-125 in Korean Females with Ascites

Purpose

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is endemic in Korea. Because tuberculous peritonitis is characterized by ascites, abdominal pain, abdominal mass and elevation of serum CA-125, it can be confused with ovarian malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of serum CA-125 level in the differential diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis and ovarian malignancy in a Mycobacterium tuberculosis-endemic area.

Materials and Methods

The medical records of patients diagnosed with tuberculous peritonitis (n=48) or epithelial ovarian malignancy (n=370) at Samsung Medical Center from January 2000 to October 2009 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Median serum CA-125 level in the epithelial ovarian cancer group was significantly higher than that in the tuberculous peritonitis group (p≤0.01). Only one patient (2.1%) in the tuberculous peritonitis group had a serum CA-125 level over 2000 U/mL. However, 109 patients (29.5%) in the epithelial ovarian cancer group had a serum CA-125 level over 2000 U/mL. At the CA-125 ranges of 400 to 599 and 600 to 799, the proportions of those with tuberculous peritonitis were 24% and 21.9%, respectively. At a serum CA-125 level over 1000 U/mL, however, the proportion of tuberculous peritonitis was much lower (2.1%).

Conclusion

Tuberculous peritonitis should be considered in the evaluation of female patients with ascites and high serum CA-125.     

Host Defenses Against Cryptococcosis

The interaction of pathogenic Cryptococcus species with their various hosts is somewhat unique compared to other fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. Cryptococcus shares an intimate association with host immune cells, leading to enhanced intracellular growth. Furthermore, unlike most other fungal pathogens, the signs and symptoms of cryptococcal disease are typically self-inflicted by the host during the host’s attempt to clear this invader from sensitive organ systems such as the central nervous system. In this review, we will summarize the story of host-Cryptococcus interactions to date and explore strategies to exploit the current knowledge for treatment of cryptococcal infections.     

双重腹水超滤浓缩腹腔回输治疗肝硬化合并自发性细菌性腹膜炎患者的临床疗效观察

目的观察应用双重腹水超滤浓缩腹腔回输术治疗肝硬化合并自发性细菌性腹膜炎腹水的临床效果及安全性。方法选择60例肝硬化合并自发性细菌性腹膜炎患者,其中男性54例,女性6例;年龄36～76岁,平均年龄53.4岁。在内科药物治疗基础上增加双重腹水超滤回输治疗,分别于治疗前后观察患者临床症状、腹围、治疗当天尿量、24h尿量、血清尿素和肌酐、血清电解质、血清蛋白等指标的变化及治疗前后患者并发症发生情况。结果患者治疗后乏力、纳差、腹胀不适症状明显改善56例（56/60）,腹围均明显缩小;同治疗前比较,治疗当天尿量及24h尿量均增加（P〈0.05）;治疗后患者血清尿素和肌酐有所下降,但与治疗前比较均无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,治疗前后血清电解质差异亦无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;治疗结束后腹水蛋白浓度[（16.4±5.6）g/L]明显高于治疗前[（8.4±3.2）g/L],差异有统计学意义（t=27.2,P〈0.01）;60例患者出院时的转归中,好转42例,无效12例,死亡6例,总有效率70.0%。并发症发生情况：术后出现头晕、乏力明显2例,肝区隐痛不适2例,无肝性脑病、消化道出血等严重并发症发生。结论双重腹水超滤浓缩腹腔回输治疗肝硬化合并自发性细菌性腹膜炎患者是安全有效的,且简便易行。     

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with hepatitis B virus-related liver cirrhosis: community-acquired versus nosocomial

Purpose

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) frequently develops in patients with liver cirrhosis; however, there is little data to suggest whether the acquisition site of infection influences the prognosis. This study compared the bacteriology, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of community-acquired SBP (CA-SBP) and nosocomial SBP (N-SBP).

Materials and Methods

The medical records of 130 patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver cirrhosis, who had experienced a first episode of SBP between January 1999 and December 2008, were reviewed.

Results

The study population included 111 (85.4%) patients with CA-SBP and 19 (14.6%) patients with N-SBP. Baseline and microbiological characteristics as well as clinical course, including in-hospital mortality, did not differ between patients with CA-SBP and those with N-SBP (all p>0.05). The median survival time was 6.5 months, and 117 (90.0%) patients died during the follow-up period. Patients with CA-SBP and N-SBP survived for median periods of 6.6 and 6.2 months, respectively, without significant difference (p=0.569). Time to recurrence did not differ between patients with CA-SBP and N-SBP (4.7 vs. 3.6 months, p=0.925).

Conclusion

The acquisition site of infection did not affect clinical outcomes for patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis who had experienced their first episode of SBP. Third-generation cephalosporins may be effective in empirically treating these patients, regardless of the acquisition site of the infection.     

Cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis in immunocompromised patients: Can it be Cryptococcus

Cryptococcal meningitis commonly affects immunocompromised cases and can have varied presentation. In some instances, the presence of a plethora of inflammatory cells on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in an immunosuppressed patient can lead to further investigations, which unravel the presence of cryptococcal meningitis. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the spectrum of CSF findings of immunosuppressed patients who were diagnosed to have cryptococcal meningitis. Retrospective analysis of CSF cytospin slides exhibiting pleocytosis and belonging to immunocompromised patients was performed, and these cases were found to have cryptococcal meningitis. Out of 932 cases of CSF (January 2016‐July 2017), 10 had pleocytosis and 5 of these 10 cases demonstrated spores of Cryptococcus. Male‐to‐female ratio was 1:1.5. All the patients were immunocompromised and had CSF leukocytosis. Lymphocytes and monocytes were present in all samples while only one case showed plasma cells. Spores of Cryptococcus were also noted in all the cases and highlighted on India Ink Preparation and Gomori Methenamine Silver stain. All the cases were positive for agglutination‐based cryptococcal antigen assay, except one where the test was not done. All immunosuppressed patients having pleocytosis in CSF were found to have cryptococcal infection. Therefore, pleocytosis in CSF in any immunosuppressed patient should raise the suspicion of cryptococcal meningitis. The pathologist and the clinician need to be vigilant in such scenarios to rule out any opportunistic infection and investigate the patient thoroughly for any underlying immunosuppression.     

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis due to Ochrobactrum anthropi: a case report

We report a case of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis from Ochrobactrum anthropi. O. anthropi is recognized as an emerging pathogen in immunocompromised patients. In contrast to most previously described cases, the patient reported here had no indwelling catheter. To our knowledge, no case of O. anthropi spontaneous bacterial peritonitis has been reported in the medical literature until now.