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A dog's dinner: an interesting case presenting as gastroenteritis.
Caroline Elliott1,2, John-Patrick Byars1, Barbara Weinhardt1
1Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|December 21, 2018
Summary
A dog bite led to severe sepsis and organ failure in a man with alcohol excess. Prompt identification of Capnocytophaga canimorsus in blood cultures was crucial for his survival and recovery.
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.