DF-2 septicemia after splenectomy: epidemiology and immunologic response

Abstract

A case of DF-2 infection in an adult with septicemia, renal failure, and diffuse purpuric lesions with clotting abnormalities is presented. The patient had had splenectomy four years before, and had recently sustained a dog bite, both characteristics of previously reported infections caused by this gram-negative organism. Examination of the patient's immunologic response by the indirect fluorescent antibody technic revealed no IgM response and a significant IgG response. We found a positive serum titer in the patient's wife, who had been bitten by the same dog in the past. The presence of serum antibody to this organism may not be protective against subsequent exposure.