Fatal capnocytophaga infection associated with splenectomy.
A case of fatal sepsis due to Capnocytophaga species is described. Capnatophaga canimorsus and C. cynodegmi can cause localized wound infections and/or systemic infections in people who have been bitten, licked, scratched, or merely exposed to cats or dogs, especially splenectomized individuals. A thorough social, medical, and surgical history, the clinical presentation, and cultures are important in making the diagnosis of Capnocytophaga infections. It is important that the forensic pathologist be aware of this zoonotic disease.
Dudley
Mary H
MH
Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center, 1109 North Minneapolis, Wichita, KS 67214-3129, USA. mdudley@sedgwick.gov
Czarnecki
Lawrence A
LA
Wells
Mark A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002206:Capnocytophaga / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000382:microbiology; D004285:Dogs; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008297:Male; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000382:microbiology