A dog's dinner: an interesting case presenting as gastroenteritis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a rare but serious cause of sepsis, often associated with dog or cat bites.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for patient survival, especially in immunocompromised individuals or those with risk factors like alcohol abuse.

Observation:

• A 60-year-old man with a history of alcohol excess presented with severe sepsis and multiorgan failure following a dog bite.
• Blood cultures revealed Gram-negative bacilli, later identified as Capnocytophaga canimorsus.

Findings:

• The patient developed severe sepsis and multiorgan failure, requiring intensive care unit admission.
• Prompt identification of Capnocytophaga canimorsus was key to initiating appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering Capnocytophaga canimorsus in patients with sepsis following animal bites, even with a history of alcohol excess.
• Effective management involves rapid diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic selection, and supportive care, including renal dialysis in cases of kidney injury.