First Human Case of Colonization in a Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter: A Warning from Silent Contamination

This report documents the first human case of colonization in a peritoneal dialysis catheter, identified through DNA sequencing after a 52-year-old man observed brownish particles within his catheter. Despite the absence of peritonitis symptoms, prompt catheter removal and antifungal therapy successfully resolved the infection. Fungal cultures revealed cerebriform (brain-like) colonies, confirmed as using multi-targeted molecular diagnostics. A wet contamination event three weeks earlier was identified as the likely source. This case underscores the importance of recognizing intraluminal particles as an indicator of fungal colonization and highlights the critical role of timely intervention and advanced diagnostics in preventing fungal peritonitis.