Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
Neutrophil Lifespan Extension with CLON-G and an In Vitro Spontaneous Death Assay
Published on: May 12, 2023
Invasive CSP-1-Capnocytophaga gingivalis in a 60 year-old female with severe neutropenia
Malo Penven1,2, Hugo Leroyer-Gravet3, Aminata Cisse3
1Department of Bacteriology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France. malo.penven@chu-rennes.fr.
Abstract:
The human-oral associated Capnocytophaga species are low-grade pathogens, more commonly affecting immunocompromised patients. Bloodstream infections are the most common clinical presentation. Microbiological diagnosis and antibiotic susceptibility testing are challenging due to the hard-to-growth character of these species, which complicates the initiation of effective antibiotic therapy. We present the case of an immunocompromised 60-year-old female receiving cefepime who developed febrile neutropenia. Blood cultures remained positive for a Capnocytophaga gingivalis isolate producing the CSP-1 extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL). This is the first description of CSP-1 in a non-C. sputigena species. Immune reconstitution led to clinical resolution.
Insights
Capnocytophaga gingivalis, an oral pathogen, caused bloodstream infection in an immunocompromised patient. This case highlights the first detection of CSP-1 extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase in this species, complicating antibiotic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Capnocytophaga species are opportunistic oral pathogens, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.
- Bloodstream infections are the most frequent clinical manifestation of Capnocytophaga species.
- Diagnosing Capnocytophaga infections and determining antibiotic susceptibility is difficult due to slow growth, hindering effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of bloodstream infection caused by Capnocytophaga gingivalis in an immunocompromised patient.
- To describe the identification of the CSP-1 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) in a Capnocytophaga gingivalis isolate.
- To highlight the challenges in diagnosing and treating Capnocytophaga infections, especially those involving antibiotic resistance.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 60-year-old immunocompromised female patient receiving cefepime.
- Blood cultures were performed to identify the causative pathogen.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted on the isolated Capnocytophaga gingivalis.
- Genetic analysis to identify the presence of beta-lactamase genes.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with febrile neutropenia and bloodstream infection.
- Blood cultures identified Capnocytophaga gingivalis.
- The isolate was found to produce the CSP-1 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL).
- This is the first reported instance of CSP-1 production in a Capnocytophaga gingivalis isolate.
Conclusions:
- Capnocytophaga gingivalis can cause severe bloodstream infections in immunocompromised hosts.
- The presence of CSP-1 ESBL in C. gingivalis poses significant challenges for antibiotic therapy.
- Immune reconstitution was associated with clinical recovery in this patient.
