Phytopathogen transmitted from plant to human causing peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis.

Abstract

We report the first case of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis due to Sporothrix schenckii, a thermally dimorphic black fungus transmitted from epiphytotic disease. The patient presented with PD-associated peritonitis and fungal colonisation inside the PD catheter's lumen after an exposing 'wet contamination' event with a phytopathogen 11 days prior to the onset of infection. The human pathogen and phytopathogen were confirmed the same species by nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer and large subunit regions of the ribosomal RNA gene. A 'wet contamination' should be closely monitored for an extended period, and a broader spectrum of organisms might lead to peritonitis, particularly in centres with a high prevalence of fungal infection. PD patients and their caregivers should have periodic retraining of aseptic technique and personnel hygiene. We also recommend a long course of antifungal medication in eradicating peritoneal sporotrichosis to prevent unfavourable outcomes and relapsing peritonitis from this organism.