[Extensive purpura and septic schock in two patients with Capnocytophaga canimorsus]

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a Gram negative bacillus present in oral flora and in saliva of dogs and cats. It can be responsible for septicaemia and meningitides in some patients after dog or cat bite two patient with a septic shock due to C. canimorsus, who presented with an extensive pupura are reported.

A 50 year-old man with a past history of splenectomy was referred to an emergency department for a shock with vomiting, abdominal pain and generalized ecchymotic purpura culture samples isolated C. canimorsus in peritoneal fluid. Purpura occurred secondary to a disseminated intravascular coagulation. Despite intensive care and major antibiotherapy, the patient rapidly died. Four days previously, the patient administered pills in his dog mouth. The second patient was a 39 year old alcoholic man who was hospitalised for vomiting and septic shock witch occurred 24 hours after a dog bite. He presented with a livido and a diffuse purpura associated with necrotic lesions. Cultures of blood samples isolated C. canimorsus.

These severe infections due to C. canimorsus should be avoided by the routine use of early antibiotherapy with amoxicilline and clavulanic acid in patients with dog or cat bite, particularly if patient with associated debilitating disorders.