Two cases of infectious purpura fulminans and septic shock caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus transmitted from dogs

Scand J Infect Dis. 2012 Aug;44(8):635-9. doi: 10.3109/00365548.2012.672765. Epub 2012 Apr 12.

Abstract

We report 2 cases of Capnocytophaga canimorsus-induced septicaemia complicated by purpura fulminans in previously healthy individuals, both of whom had been exposed to dog saliva prior to disease. They both presented with purpuric skin lesions, as well as the tetrad of abdominal symptoms, haemolytic anaemia, metabolic acidosis, and renal failure, which may be common in C. canimorsus-associated purpura fulminans. The patients survived after treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive intensive care. C. canimorsus should be considered as a possible cause of infectious purpura fulminans in the unresolved critically ill patient with a history of dog exposure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Capnocytophaga / isolation & purification*
  • Disease Vectors
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / microbiology
  • Dog Diseases / microbiology*
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Purpura Fulminans / microbiology*
  • Shock, Septic / microbiology*
  • Zoonoses / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents