Capnocytophaga Infection: A Risk in the Immunocompromised Host

Summary

Capnocytophaga infection in two granulocytopenic patients is presented. The first patient, treated for a non Hodgkin lymphoma (Sezary syndrome), developed septicaemia. The second patient, treated with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide for a systemic lupus erythematosus, suffered from biiateral pneumonia. Both patients had multiple oral ulcerations.

The unusual cultural and biochemical features of Capnocytophaga, a gram-negative, capnophilic rod, are discussed together with a review of the literature.