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Pleural infection caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus, formerly CDC group DF-2
1Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri 63104.
Abstract:
An 80-year-old man with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia developed pneumonia and empyema due to Capnocytophaga canimorsus (formerly CDC group DF-2). No growth was detected in blood cultures, but the organism was identified from cultures of pleural fluid. The infection responded well to antibiotics and drainage via a chest tube. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a clinical isolate of C. canimorsus from a pulmonary source. The absence of concurrent bacteremia raises the possibility that the lower respiratory tract can be the site of primary infection with this organism.
Insights
A rare Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection caused pneumonia and empyema in an 80-year-old man with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. This case highlights the potential for pulmonary C. canimorsus infection without concurrent bacteremia.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Hematology
Background:
- Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder.
- Capnocytophaga canimorsus is an opportunistic pathogen typically associated with dog bites.
- Pulmonary infections with C. canimorsus are exceedingly rare.
Observation:
- An 80-year-old male patient with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia presented with symptoms of pneumonia and empyema.
- Blood cultures were negative, but Capnocytophaga canimorsus was identified in pleural fluid cultures.
- The patient's condition improved with antibiotic treatment and chest tube drainage.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of a clinical isolate of Capnocytophaga canimorsus originating from a pulmonary source.
- The absence of bacteremia suggests that the lower respiratory tract may serve as the primary site of infection for C. canimorsus.
Implications:
- This finding expands the known clinical spectrum of Capnocytophaga canimorsus infections.
- It suggests the need to consider C. canimorsus in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis of primary pulmonary C. canimorsus infections.