Primary pneumococcal peritonitis as a presenting feature of HIV infection

Abstract

We report a case of primary pneumococcal peritonitis in a 28-year old previously healthy woman. There are no previously reported associations between this rare form of spontaneous peritonitis and HIV infection, and it is usually associated with underlying cirrhosis, ascites or other immune compromise. In this case this was the presenting illness of HIV infection. When atypical infections such as this arise in previously healthy adults the clinician must have a high index of suspicion of HIV or other underlying immunodeficiency.