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[Capnocytophaga sputigena pleuropneumonitis: a case report]

S Atmani1, S Wanin, G Bellon

  • 1Service de pédiatrie, pneumologie, allergologie, mucoviscidose, hôpital Debrousse, 29, rue Soeur-Bouvier, 69322 Lyon, France.

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|September 23, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Community-acquired pneumonia can lead to purulent pleural effusion in children. A rare case highlights Capnocytophaga sputigena, a common oral bacterium, as a cause of pediatric pleuropneumonia.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology

Background:

  • Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) frequently complicates into purulent pleural effusion in children, with increasing incidence.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is the predominant pathogen in pediatric CAP, accounting for approximately 80% of cases.

Observation:

  • A case of pleuropneumonia in an immunocompetent 13-year-old with orthodontic braces is presented.
  • The infection was caused by Capnocytophaga sputigena, a Gram-negative bacillus typically found in the oral cavity.

Findings:

  • This is the first reported instance of Capnocytophaga sputigena causing pleural or lung infection.
  • The clinical presentation mimicked infections caused by more common bacterial pathogens.
  • The isolated Capnocytophaga sputigena demonstrated excellent sensitivity to betalactam antibiotics.

Implications:

  • Expands the spectrum of pathogens associated with pediatric pleuropneumonia.
  • Highlights the potential for oral commensals to cause severe respiratory infections.
  • Suggests betalactam antibiotics as a viable treatment option for Capnocytophaga sputigena-induced pleuropneumonia.

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