Dialysis access related infections

Infection is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal d isease patients. Unintentional pathogens are introduced into an immunocompr omised host during hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis by means of the acc ess (arteriovenous fistula, arteriovenous graft, central venous catheter, o r peritoneal dialysis catheter). Gram positive organisms are most common wi th Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative Staphylococcus predominatin g. Preventive measures are mandatory and the key to decreasing infection ra tes.