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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Procedures for Identifying Infectious Prions After Passage Through the Digestive System of an Avian Species
12:00

Procedures for Identifying Infectious Prions After Passage Through the Digestive System of an Avian Species

Published on: November 6, 2013

[Meningitis due to Capnocytophaga canimorsus with misleading initial digestive symptom]

P Biedermann1, D Deligne

  • 1Service de médecine A-4D, Centre hospitalier général, 88200 Remiremont.

Annales De Biologie Clinique
|March 30, 2004
PubMed

Insights

A dog lick led to Capnocytophaga canimorsus septicemia and meningitis in an alcoholic man. Early recognition and probabilistic antibiotic therapy are crucial for this rare, potentially lethal infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a rare bacterium, often transmitted through dog bites or scratches.
  • Septicemia and meningitis are severe complications that can arise from C. canimorsus infection.
  • Chronic alcoholism is a significant risk factor for severe infections.

Observation:

  • A case of C. canimorsus septicemia complicated by meningitis in a chronic alcoholic male is presented.
  • Infection occurred after a dog licked varicose wounds.
  • Initial symptoms mimicked a digestive infectious syndrome.

Findings:

  • C. canimorsus exhibits slow growth, necessitating specific bacteriological identification methods.
  • The article details diagnostic considerations for C. canimorsus in a general hospital setting.
  • Clinical signs and patient history are key to suspecting this infection.

Implications:

  • Prompt diagnosis and initiation of probabilistic antibiotic therapy are vital due to the potentially lethal nature of C. canimorsus infections.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering zoonotic infections in patients with relevant exposure history and risk factors.
  • Understanding the diagnostic challenges of slow-growing bacteria like C. canimorsus is essential for timely patient management.

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