# Pluralibacter gergoviae: an uncommon pathogen in peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis: the second documented case worldwide

**Authors:** Bahaa Arafat, Mohammed Dibas, Baraa Emran, Ahmed Salous, Ahmed Enaya, Alaa Sarsour, Zakaria Hamdan, Noor Abulehia

PMC · DOI: 10.1093/omcr/omaf219 · Oxford Medical Case Reports · 2025-10-29

## TL;DR

A rare bacterium, Pluralibacter gergoviae, caused peritonitis in a dialysis patient, highlighting the need to recognize uncommon pathogens.

## Contribution

This is the second global report of Pluralibacter gergoviae causing peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis.

## Key findings

- Pluralibacter gergoviae was identified as the causative agent in a peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis case.
- The patient improved after targeted antibiotic therapy based on microbiological results.
- This case emphasizes the importance of identifying rare pathogens in dialysis-related infections.

## Abstract

Peritonitis remains a serious complication in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, often caused by common organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus. However, rare pathogens may also play a role. We report a case of peritonitis in a 41-year-old female on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, in whom Pluralibacter gergoviae was identified as the causative organism. The patient presented with abdominal pain and cloudy dialysate but remained hemodynamically stable. Peritoneal fluid analysis revealed elevated white cell counts, and culture Pluralibacter gergoviae, which was sensitive to multiple antibiotics. Initial empiric therapy was adjusted accordingly, leading to clinical and laboratory improvement. This is the second reported case of Pluralibacter gergoviae-related peritonitis in the literature. This case underscores the importance of recognizing uncommon pathogens in peritoneal dialysis-related infections and the role of prompt microbiological diagnosis in guiding targeted therapy. Increased awareness and reporting of such cases are essential to enhance understanding and optimize patient management.

## Linked entities

- **Species:** Pluralibacter gergoviae (taxon 61647)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** abdominal pain (MESH:D015746), Peritonitis (MESH:D010538), infections (MESH:D007239)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606], Pluralibacter gergoviae (species) [taxon 61647], Staphylococcus aureus (species) [taxon 1280]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

11 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12570006/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12570006