Peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis caused by Fusarium: a case report and literature review
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 9/16/2025
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Summary
A 61-year-old farmer on peritoneal dialysis developed a rare fungal infection caused by Fusarium after antibiotics failed to treat her peritonitis. Pharmacists helped doctors switch her to the antifungal medication voriconazole and carefully monitored blood levels to ensure the dose was high enough. After adjusting the dose based on blood tests, the patient recovered completely with no symptoms and normal test results within two months.
Background
Fungal peritonitis is a significant complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) that can result in severe consequences. Fungal peritonitis caused by Fusarium is relatively rare with limited literature on standard treatment plans.
Objective
To present a case report of PD-related peritonitis caused by Fusarium and provide a literature review of similar cases. The study aimed to demonstrate the role of clinical pharmacists in managing rare fungal infections through drug therapy, literature review, and therapeutic drug monitoring.
Results
The patient initially received empirical antibacterial therapy which failed. After 13 days, PD effluent culture confirmed Fusarium spp. Oral voriconazole was initiated with a loading dose of 200 mg followed by maintenance doses adjusted based on plasma concentration monitoring (target >2 μg/ml). The patient achieved complete clinical remission with resolution of abdominal pain and normalization of inflammatory markers.
Conclusion
PD-related Fusarium peritonitis is rare, and timely identification is crucial. Oral voriconazole combined with therapeutic drug monitoring proved effective in managing this infection. The case underscores the importance of clinical pharmacist involvement and rapid diagnostic assays in treating rare fungal peritonitis.
- Published in:Fungal Biology (Front Fungal Biol),
- Study Type:Case Report,
- Source: PMID: 41036233, DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2025.1637498