Citation

Hawkins J, Wilson A, McWilliams E. Emerg. Med. J. 2011; 28(12): 1071-1073.

Affiliation

eric.mcwilliams@esht.nhs.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/emj.08.2010.3265rep

PMID

22101595

Abstract

Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection is the most severe and rapidly progressive bacterial infection transmitted by dog bite and fortunately is very rare. The authors describe a 68-year-old gentleman who presented in an acute confusional state 2 days after having been bitten on the left hand by a dog. Despite immediate broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, he developed significant sequelae including disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, microvascular emboli leading to peripheral necrosis, widespread local tissue destruction and septic arthritis. Our case illustrates a life-threatening presentation of infection with C canimorsus, which is known as 'the dog bite organism'. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment is key to survival.

Language: en