Introduction: End-stage renal failure patients are particularly at risk for tuberculosis, especially for peritoneal tuberculosis. Microbiological diagnosis remains hazardous in many cases.
Case report: We report on a case of peritoneal tuberculosis in an end-stage renal failure patient. The diagnosis was suspected on the basis of adenosine deaminase dosage in peritoneal fluid, allowing an early presumptive treatment and a favourable outcome with a 3 years follow-up.
Discussion: The measurement of adenosine deaminase activity in ascites represents a diagnostic advance in tuberculous peritonitis among end-stage renal failure patients.