[Meningitis after a superficial dog bite].
A 63-year-old healthy man developed acute meningitis. A Gram-stain of the cerebrospinal fluid showed Gram-negative rods, which grew slowly. They were identified by 16S ribosomal RNA sequence-analysis as Capnocytophaga canimorsus, an oral commensal found in various animal species including dogs. Upon further questioning, the patient mentioned a superficial dog bite. Using fluorescence-in situ-hybridisation with specific DNA probes, C. canimorsus cells were detected in a gingiva swab from his dog. The strains isolated from the patient and his dog were identical. The patient made a quick recovery following therapy with cefotaxime. Infections with C. canimorsus are associated with immune suppression (especially splenectomy or alcohol abuse), yet 40% of the patients have no predisposing conditions. Documented infections concern mainly sepsis or meningitis, with a mortality of approximately 30%. Due to its fastidious growth, C. canimorsus may be missed in standard culture methods. Therefore, in each case of unexplained sepsis or meningitis contact with animals should be enquired about.
Kampinga
G A
GA
Afd. Medische Microbiologie, Academisch Ziekenhuis, Groningen. g.a.kampinga@lvf.nl
Bollen
A E
AE
Harmsen
H J M
HJ
de Vries-Hospers
H G
HG
D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology; D002206:Capnocytophaga / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004285:Dogs; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008297:Male; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D008875:Middle Aged