Gram-positive infections related to CAPD

Abstract

The majority of infections associated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) are caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The coagulase-negative staphylococci are the most common cause of peritonitis and Staphylococcus aureus is the organism most frequently associated with tunnel and exit site infections. The advent of newer techniques for bag change in CAPD has significantly reduced the incidence of peritonitis but relapse is still common among a few isolated individuals. Carriage of staphylococci in the nose is important in predisposing individuals for exit site infections. The possibility that eradication of nasal carriage may prevent CAPD infection has yet to be evaluated.