Rare Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis Caused by Plectosphaerella cucumerina: A Case Report.

Abstract

Plectosphaerella cucumerina (P. cucumerina) is a rare fungal pathogen that typically infects plants and crops, causing disease and reduced yields. Human infections are extremely uncommon. This case report describes the first case of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis caused by P. cucumerina and highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by this rare fungal pathogen. A 79-year-old woman with peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis was diagnosed with a P. cucumerina infection through culture, MALDI-TOF MS, and sequencing. The patient's symptoms improved significantly within three days of antifungal treatment with fluconazole, and her inflammatory markers normalized after two weeks. Diagnosis of P. cucumerina infections often relies on culture and molecular techniques. In this case, fluconazole monotherapy was effective. Further research is needed to optimize diagnostic methods and treatment protocols. Early identification and targeted antifungal therapy are essential for the successful management of P. cucumerina-caused peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis.