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Meningitis caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus: when to expect the unexpected

M G J de Boer1, P C L A Lambregts, A P van Dam

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands. M.G.J.de_Boer@lumc.nl

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery
|April 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Capnocytophaga canimorsus meningitis is a rare but serious condition. Consider this diagnosis in patients with meningitis symptoms and recent dog or cat exposure, especially if they have had a splenectomy.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a bacterium commonly found in the mouths of dogs and cats.
  • Meningitis is a severe infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Observation:

  • This review examines 28 reported cases of Capnocytophaga canimorsus meningitis.
  • A history of dog or cat bite/contact was present in 89% of cases.
  • Patients were typically middle-aged or older (median age 58), with splenectomy (18%) and alcohol abuse (25%) being common comorbidities.

Findings:

  • Capnocytophaga canimorsus meningitis presents with typical meningitis symptoms.
  • Diagnosis is often delayed due to the rarity of the condition and non-specific symptoms.
  • Risk factors include animal exposure, splenectomy, and alcohol abuse.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider Capnocytophaga canimorsus meningitis in patients with meningitis symptoms and relevant animal exposure history.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial for patient outcomes.
  • Awareness of this zoonotic infection is important for both diagnostic work-up and patient management.

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