title: Two cases of infectious purpura fulminans and septic shock caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus transmitted from dogs.
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.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
authors.forename: Claus Behrend
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Christiansen
authors.forename: Ronan M G
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Berg
authors.forename: Ronni R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Plovsing
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Møller
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002206:Capnocytophaga / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004199:Disease Vectors; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000382:microbiology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055665:Purpura Fulminans / Q000382:microbiology*; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000382:microbiology*; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents