[UV irradiation of the peritoneal dialysis solution for the prevention of peritonitis].

Micro-organisms causing peritonitis during peritoneal dialysis or CAPD can reach the peritoneal cavity either along the Tenckhoff-catheter or via contaminated dialysis fluid. Laboratory experiments with UV irradiation of artificially contaminated CAPD fluid were made to demonstrate whether decontamination could be achieved during the flow through a UV-penetrable (lambda 2537 A) section of the CAPD catheter. Five CAPD bags were contaminated with a fluid culture of the following micro-organisms which frequently cause peritonitis (S. epidermidis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and Candida albicans). After UV irradiation positive cultures could not be demonstrated. UV irradiation of the peritoneal dialysis fluid before entering the peritoneal cavity is proposed as an additional preventive measure.