Fatal sepsis with peripheral necrosis due to Capnocytophagus canimorsus infection after dog bite: a case report

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a commensal bacterium in dogs and cats’ saliva that can be transmitted to humans by licking, biting, or scratching. Although rare, an infection with C. canimorsus can have lethal consequences. Based on this case, the authors want to emphasize the importance of adequate wound care, close monitoring, and the use of prophylactic antibiotics after a dog bite or cat bite CASE PRESENTATION: The authors present the case of a healthy 52-year-old patient with severe sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, multiorgan failure, and peripheral necrosis of the lower arms, lower legs, nose, and genitals due to an infection with C. canimorsus after a dog bite. The patient eventually died on the ICU. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Due to the severeness of the sepsis, the patient was admitted to the ICU for maximum supportive care. As a last resort to save his life, an amputation of his nose, genitals, lower arms, and a transtibial amputation was proposed. In good consultation with the family, the decision was made not to perform this very mutilating surgery. The therapy was stopped because the loss in quality of life was too severe to justify continuation. The patient died soon after stopping supportive therapy. CONCLUSION: Based on this case, the authors would like to point out that, although rare, an infection with C. canimorsus can have devastating consequences with a high mortality and morbidity rate. It is important to know about this complication and to be aware of the importance of adequate wound care, close monitoring, and the use of prophylactic antibiotics after a dog bite or cat bite.