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A case of Capnocytophaga canimorsus brain abscess secondary to dog's bite

S Ulivieri1, G Oliveri, G Filosomi

  • 1Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital, Siena, Italy.

Il Giornale Di Chirurgia
|March 28, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a dog oral bacterium, can cause severe infections. This report details a rare temporal brain abscess in an immunocompetent man following a dog bite.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Capnocytophaga canimorsus is an opportunistic pathogen found in canine oral flora.
  • It typically causes localized wound infections or systemic illness in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Rarely, Capnocytophaga canimorsus can lead to severe neurological complications such as brain abscess.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a unique case of temporal brain abscess caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus.
  • To highlight the potential for severe infections in immunocompetent individuals following dog bites.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 28-year-old immunocompetent male.
  • Clinical presentation and diagnostic workup following a dog bite.
  • Identification of Capnocytophaga canimorsus as the causative agent.

Main Results:

  • The patient developed a temporal brain abscess.
  • Capnocytophaga canimorsus was identified as the pathogen responsible for the abscess.
  • The infection occurred in an immunocompetent host, challenging typical disease patterns.

Conclusions:

  • Capnocytophaga canimorsus can cause serious infections, including brain abscesses, even in immunocompetent individuals.
  • Dog bites represent a significant risk for Capnocytophaga canimorsus transmission and potential severe outcomes.
  • Clinicians should consider Capnocytophaga canimorsus in the differential diagnosis of brain abscesses, especially after animal exposure.

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