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[Meningitis due to Capnocytophaga canimorsus without dog bite]

Alain Drouet1, Salim Smati, Marie-Hélène Ferrer

  • 1Service de Neurologie, HIA Desgenettes, Lyon. drouetalain@yahoo.fr

Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|March 22, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a bacteria from dog saliva, can cause severe meningitis in humans. Prompt diagnosis and antibiotic treatment lead to full recovery, highlighting the importance of considering animal contact in meningitis cases.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a gram-negative rod found in canine oral flora.
  • It can cause rare, severe, but treatable human febrile acute meningitis.

Observation:

  • A 60-year-old man presented with severe meningitis symptoms including fever and confusion.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed high cell count, elevated protein, low glucose, and positive Gram stain.
  • The patient had close contact with a dog and recovered fully with a 22-day antibiotic course.

Findings:

  • Genomic study of CSF culture confirmed Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection.
  • Early Gram stain of CSF is crucial for identifying gram-negative bacilli.

Implications:

  • Prompt diagnosis of Capnocytophaga canimorsus meningitis is possible with CSF Gram stain and genomic analysis.
  • Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for deep bite wounds and immunocompromised individuals due to potential dog or cat contact.
  • Early and appropriate antibiotherapy ensures a full recovery from this severe infection.

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