[A fatal septic shock due to Capnocytophaga canimorsus and review of literature]

Abstract

Introduction: Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a Gram-negative bacterium present in normal dogs and cats mouths. It can be responsible for septic shocks after dog or cat bite, especially in asplenic patients.

Case report: We report here a case of C. canimorsus infection rapidly presenting as a multiple organ dysfonction syndrome in an immunocompetent 54 years old patient, who lives near a dog, without any sign of bite. The evolution was a rapidly fatal fulminant septic shock.

Conclusion: Among patients with a septic shock of unknown etiology, fatal evolution due to C. canimorsus should be avoided by systematic use of early antibiotherapy with amoxicilline and clavulanic acid, especially in patients who live near a pet, even if they are immunocompetent.

Keywords: Bite; Capnocytophaga canimorsus; Choc septique; Morsure; Septic shock.