Capnocytophaga canimorsus septicemia associated with cat scratch

Mahrer, Susan; Raik, Eva

doi:10.3109/00313029209063172

Cited by 14 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 18 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Because of low virulence, C. canimorsus systemic infections occur more often in hosts with impairment of defences: (1) asplenic patients (33% of cases); 1 functional asplenism [49] and 1 congenital asplenia [54], but mainly splenectomized individuals; in these latter, infections occur within the 4 years for 50% of cases, but has been observed as early as 8 months [8] and as late as 33 years [39] after the operation. Because of low virulence, C. canimorsus systemic infections occur more often in hosts with impairment of defences: (1) asplenic patients (33% of cases); 1 functional asplenism [49] and 1 congenital asplenia [54], but mainly splenectomized individuals; in these latter, infections occur within the 4 years for 50% of cases, but has been observed as early as 8 months [8] and as late as 33 years [39] after the operation.…”

Section: Review Of the Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

Capnocytophaga canimorsus infections in human: Review of the literature and cases report

1996

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Capnocytophaga canimorsus, formerly designated Dysgonic fermenter 2 (DF-2) was first described in 1976; it is a commensal bacterium of dogs and cats saliva, which can be transmitted to man by bite (54% of cases), scratch (8.5%), or mere exposure to animals (27%). We present a review of the clinical and microbiological characteristics of the Capnocytophaga canimorsus infections and 12 cases of infection in France. Over 100 cases of human infections have been reported, mainly septicemia in patients with diminished defences, due to splenectomy (33%), alcohol abuse (24%), immunosuppression (5%). However 40% of septicemia occur in patients with no predisposing conditions. Other infections are less frequent: meningitis, endocarditis, arthritis, pleural and localized eye infections. These infections range from mild to fulminating disease, with shock, respiratory distress, disseminated intravascular coagulation. Dermatological lesions (macular or maculopapular rash, purpura) or gangrene are common. This fastidious Gram-negative bacterium grows slowly on chocolate agar or on heart infusion agar with 5% rabbit blood incubated in 5% CO2. In spite of a great susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics, the mortality is of 30%. Because of the severity of these infections, taking into account this organism in the management of bites is necessary, especially in patients with predisposing factors.

show abstract

Section: Review Of the Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

Capnocytophaga canimorsus infections in human: Review of the literature and cases report

1996

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…However, the latter may not always be found at autopsy and infection may arise from mere contact or licking. 4,13,16 In the reported case, there was a history of a superficial injury subsequently elicited, demonstrating that although fatal dog bites usually involve excessive tissue trauma, vascular and organ compromise, and blood loss; 17,18 this may not always be necessary for a lethal outcome in individuals with reduced splenic function or immunocompromise. …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

“…1,11 Infection has also been associated with immunosuppression, alcoholism, cirrhosis, chronic lung disease, and malignancy. 4,12,13 A history of dog bite or contact has been found in 55% to 84% of cases; it has been less commonly reported after cat bite or scratch. In the reported case, the dog's broken canine tooth may have facilitated puncturing of the skin.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Fatal Dog Bite in the Absence of Significant Trauma

Stiegler¹,

Gilbert²,

Warner³

et al. 2010

American Journal of Forensic Medicine &Amp; Pathology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Sudden and unexpected nontraumatic death in individuals with asplenia or hyposplenia is usually due to fulminant bacterial sepsis, most often involving Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Hemophilus influenzae. We report a case of a previously well 40-year-old man who died 5 hours after hospital admission. At autopsy Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome was identified and Capnocytophaga canimorsus was subsequently isolated on antemortem blood cultures. Infection of humans with this organism is most often due to dog bite or contact. Upon specific inquiry it was ascertained that 2 days before admission the deceased had suffered a superficial bite to his hand by his pet Staffordshire Bullterrier dog. His relevant history included a previous splenectomy following blunt abdominal trauma. Asplenia and hyposplenia at autopsy should prompt microbiological testing with consideration of unusual organisms such as C. canimorsus. Although histories of animal contact or injury are often not available at the time of autopsy, this should also be considered in cases of apparent fulminant sepsis. In individuals with asplenia or hyposplenia, dog bites do not have to involve excessive tissue trauma, vascular compromise, or blood loss to be lethal.

show abstract

“…10 While most cases have been related to contact with dogs, infection after cat bites or scratches has also been described. [14][15][16] D i s e a s e i n h u m a n s…”

Section: Treatment and Preventionmentioning

confidence: 99%