Being Licked by a Dog Can Be Fatal: Capnocytophaga canimorsus Sepsis with Purpura Fulminans in an Immunocompetent Man

Authors

• Naomi Mader Department of Medicine, Rotes Kreuz Krankenhaus, Bremen, Germany
• Fabian Lührs Department of Medicine, Rotes Kreuz Krankenhaus, Bremen, Germany
• Stefan Herget-Rosenthal Department of Medicine, Rotes Kreuz Krankenhaus, Bremen, Germany
• Martin Langenbeck Department of Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine, Rotes Kreuz Krankenhaus, Bremen, Germany

langenbeck.m@roteskreuzkrankenhaus.de

Keywords

Abstract

Bite infections caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus are rare. Severe and fatal infections are more frequently reported in patients with immunodeficiency, splenectomy or alcohol abuse. We describe the case of a 63-year-old man who developed flu-like symptoms and presented after some delay with severe sepsis and purpura fulminans. He was found to be infected with C. canimorsus without a bite injury and did not demonstrate immunodeficiency or any other typical predisposition. Despite extensive intensive care, his conditions deteriorated and he died from multiorgan failure.