Metagenomic next-generation sequencing identifies Ureaplasma parvum in culture-negative peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis complicated by COVID-19: a case report.
Helin Zhang, Linqiang Zhu, Xiulin Zhao et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 43-year-old woman with stage 5 chronic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and cloudy effluent. Initial empirical treatment was ineffective, and cultures were negative. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of the effluent identified Ureaplasma parvum, leading to targeted doxycycline therapy and catheter removal, resulting in recovery despite complications from COVID-19.
What made this case unusual
Ureaplasma parvum was identified in a case of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis where routine cultures failed, highlighting the utility of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in diagnosing atypical infections.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider metagenomic next-generation sequencing for diagnosing peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis when standard cultures yield negative results.
Why it matters
This case underscores the importance of recognizing fastidious organisms like Ureaplasma parvum in patients with peritoneal dialysis-associated infections, particularly when conventional methods fail.