Rare case of Capnocytophaga canimorsus meningitis in a man without risk factors

Abstract

Capnocytophaga canimorsus meningitis is an uncommon but potentially serious cause of meningitis, which is considered particularly rare in healthy and immunocompetent individuals. We present a case of C. canimorsus meningitis in a young, immunocompetent patient which was acquired following a dog bite. We review the literature and propose that underdiagnosis of this condition is likely. To avoid misdiagnosis, and thus improper management, clinicians should ensure that they identify animal exposure in all meningitic patients, and adopt a higher clinical suspicion in the absence of classical risk factors.

Keywords: infectious diseases; meningitis; neurology.

Figure 1

Risk factors identified in the reviewed literature.

Figure 2

Causes of infection identified in the reviewed literature.