Two cases of infectious purpura fulminans and septic shock caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus transmitted from dogs

Abstract

We report 2 cases of Capnocytophaga canimorsus-induced septicaemia complicated by purpura fulminans in previously healthy individuals, both of whom had been exposed to dog saliva prior to disease. They both presented with purpuric skin lesions, as well as the tetrad of abdominal symptoms, haemolytic anaemia, metabolic acidosis, and renal failure, which may be common in C. canimorsus-associated purpura fulminans. The patients survived after treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive intensive care. C. canimorsus should be considered as a possible cause of infectious purpura fulminans in the unresolved critically ill patient with a history of dog exposure.

Keywords::

• Capnocytophaga canimorsus
• disseminated intravascular coagulation
• dysgonic fermenter 2
• infectious purpura fulminans
• septicaemia

Acknowledgements

The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism (CIM) is supported by a grant from the Danish National Research Foundation (# 02-512-55). This study was further supported by the Danish Council for Independent Research, Medical Sciences, the Commission of the European Communities (grant agreement No. 223576 – MYOAGE). CIM is part of the UNIK Project: Food, Fitness & Pharma for Health and Disease, supported by the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. CIM is a member of DD2 – the Danish Centre for Strategic Research in Type 2 Diabetes (the Danish Council for Strategic Research, grant No. 09-067009 and 09-075724).

Declaration of interest: None.