Capnocytophaga canimorsus infections in human: Review of the literature and cases report

Abstract

Capnocytophaga canimorsus, formerly designated Dysgonic fermenter 2 (DF-2) was first described in 1976; it is a commensal bacterium of dogs and cats saliva, which can be transmitted to man by bite (54% of cases), scratch (8.5%), or mere exposure to animals (27%). We present a review of the clinical and microbiological characteristics of the Capnocytophaga canimorsus infections and 12 cases of infection in France. Over 100 cases of human infections have been reported, mainly septicemia in patients with diminished defences, due to splenectomy (33%), alcohol abuse (24%), immunosuppression (5%). However 40% of septicemia occur in patients with no predisposing conditions. Other infections are less frequent: meningitis, endocarditis, arthritis, pleural and localized eye infections. These infections range from mild to fulminating disease, with shock, respiratory distress, disseminated intravascular coagulation. Dermatological lesions (macular or maculopapular rash, purpura) or gangrene are common. This fastidious Gram-negative bacterium grows slowly on chocolate agar or on heart infusion agar with 5% rabbit blood incubated in 5% CO2. In spite of a great susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics, the mortality is of 30%. Because of the severity of these infections, taking into account this organism in the management of bites is necessary, especially in patients with predisposing factors.

Patients After Splenectomy: Old Risks and New Perspectives

“…Some authors also recommend annual vaccination against influenza virus, because influenza predisposes to sepsis and pneumonia (11,12). Splenectomized patients are also more prone to develop infections caused by Babesia, capnocytophaga or anaplasma phagocytopilum (13)(14)(15)(16)(17). The problem is that for these kinds of infections there is no immunization available (6).…”

Capnocytophaga canimorsus

“…In our laboratory, a PCR test with primers submitted for publication). In a single report, the isolation of C. canimorsus (DF-2) from sheep and 46 cattle (25-30% of the animals tested) but not from pigs was reported (Westwell et al, 1989 (Lion et al, 1996:). Consequently human to human transmission of C. canimorsus has not been 52 reported apart from one case where it could not be excluded 100% (Risi and Sprangler 2006 In 1976 a patient with meningitis and sepsis, caused by an unidentified Gram-negative 64 bacillus, after a recent dog bite was first described (Bobo and Newton, 1976).…”

“…The organism does not grow on 93 MacConkey agar. Recently, the growth medium was optimized (Heart Infusion agar Difco with 5% 94 sheep blood) and the bacteria were shown to grow in 2 days at 37˚C in 5 % CO 2 (Shin et canimorsus septicemia has been associated with up to 30% mortality (Lion et al, 1996) and significant 174 morbidity, including amputation secondary to gangrene, myocardial infarction and renal failure. …”

Case Report: Capnocytophaga canimorsus A Novel Pathogen for Joint Arthroplasty

“…As much as 40% of affected patients are healthy with no known immunocompromise; thus, C canimorsus often is not considered an opportunistic bacterium [18]. Common forms of immunocompromise associated with C canimorsus infection include splenectomy, alcoholism, immunosuppressive drugs, and neutropenia [8,16,26].…”