Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection led to progressively fatal septic shock in an immunocompetent patient.

Background: Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection is rare, with a high fatality rate; however, there are few cases of death with a rapid course. This study reports a progressively fatal case of C. canimorsus .
Case Presentation: A 68-year-old immunocompetent Japanese man was bitten and scratched on his right hand by a dog 6 days before emergency transportation to the emergency room with abdominal pain, back pain, and melena. The patient developed multiple-organ failure. Despite antibiotic therapy, transfusion, vasopressor therapy, and continuous renal replacement therapy, the patient died from uncontrolled metabolic acidosis 4.5 h after admission. Approximately 80 h after admission, blood cultures were positive for C. canimorsus .
Conclusions: Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection can lead to rapid progression even in immunocompetent patients.
(© 2022 The Authors. Acute Medicine & Surgery published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Association for Acute Medicine.)