Aim: To determine the risk factors and outcome of fungal peritonitis in
continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients over a 7-year
period. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted
on 30 cases of fungal peritonitis in CAPD patients during a 7-year
period (2000-2007). The diagnosis was based on elevated CAPD effluent
count and isolation of fungi. Patients were evaluated for previous
episode of bacterial peritonitis. Results: The incidence of fungal
peritonitis was 16.2%. Age varied between 8 and 75 years, with a mean
age of 57 years. Twenty-three were males (76.7%) and seven were females
(23.3%). Seventeen patients (56.6%) had previous episodes of bacterial
peritonitis that was treated with multiple antibiotics. The common
fungus was Candida species (50%). CAPD catheter removal and initiation
of antifungal therapy was done for all patients. Reinsertion was done
for three (10%) patients. Mortality rate was 20%. Conclusion: Patients
with previous bacterial peritonitis and antibiotic usage are at greater
risk of developing fungal peritonitis