Microbiology & Immunology Publications
Title
The microbes are coming
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1990
Journal
Peritoneal Dialysis International
Volume
10
Issue
1
First Page
21
Last Page
24
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1177/089686089001000107
Abstract
The ability of gram-positive cocci to aggregate and form biofilms at the exit site and on catheter surfaces in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has been associated with peritonitis. In the present study, 16 (80%) of 20 dialysate effluents from patients with staphylococcal peritonitis were found to contain aggregates of Staphylococcus epidermidis or S. aureus. Using an in vitro assay system, 20 (83%) of 24 pathogenic bacterial strains were found to aggregate in fresh dialysis solutions within 4 to 24 h at 37°C. Further studies with one strain, S. epidermidis 1938, showed increased aggregation when the bacteria were incubated in dialysate effluents compared to fresh dialysis solutions. Viability experiments showed that aggregated bacteria were less sensitive to the killing effects of fresh dialysis solutions and that dialysate effluents could support bacterial growth. The results suggest that attention be paid to aggregation as a potential mechanism used by bacteria in causation of peritonitis.