Viridans streptococcus peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis: clinical characteristics and comparison with concurrent polymicrobial infection.

<bold>Background: </bold>The clinical course of Viridans streptococci (VS) peritonitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) is rarely reported. This study examined the association of clinical factors with VS peritonitis.<bold>Methods: </bold>We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from patients with VS peritonitis from March 1990 to February 2016 in a PD center in Taiwan and evaluated clinical profiles and treatment outcomes.<bold>Results: </bold>A total of 109 episodes of VS peritonitis in 71 patients identified. Among these patients, 57 had mono-VS peritonitis and 14 had concurrent polymicrobial infections. The median time interval from PD initiation to the first VS peritonitis episode was 18 months (range, 0.6-144 months). Among clinical outcomes, most VS peritonitis episodes were completely cured regardless of a history of peritonitis. All episodes with catheter removal occurred in those without a history of recent antibiotic use.<bold>Conclusion: </bold>VS peritonitis in patients undergoing PD typically has favorable treatment outcomes. Antibiotic therapy should be started promptly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]