Capnocytophaga canimorsus Septicaemia Presenting With Multiorgan Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) and Disseminated...

We present a rare case of fulminant Capnocytophaga canimorsus septicaemia in a previously well 52-year-old immunocompetent woman, following a minor dog-related forehead abrasion. Despite a recent course of amoxicillin/clavulanate prescribed by her general practitioner, the patient developed profound sepsis characterised by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and severe metabolic derangements. Initial symptoms included confusion, diarrhoea and nausea, rapidly progressing to circulatory shock and acute renal failure requiring intubation and continuous renal replacement therapy. Blood cultures later confirmed C. canimorsus, and antimicrobial therapy was rationalised accordingly. Radiological evidence revealed bilateral renal cortical necrosis, ultimately resulting in end-stage renal disease and ongoing dialysis dependency. This case is notable as one of the few documented instances of renal cortical necrosis due to Capnocytophaga infection and the only known case in which the patient survived. It highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of managing rare zoonotic infections, especially in patients without traditional risk factors. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for Capnocytophaga spp. in cases of sepsis of unclear origin, particularly with any history of animal exposure, and involve infectious disease specialists early during care.