Capnocytophaga sepsis causing purpura fulminans in a 50-year-old man with chronic opioid use. (2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hogge, Christopher; Holzman, Miriam; Khurana, Sahiba; Brankovic, Milos; Chang, Chrystal; Fernandez, Gabriel; Finkel, Diana
• Is Part Of: IDCases. Volume 29(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022
• Subjects: Capnocytophaga -- Polymicrobial sepsis -- Purpura fulminans -- Chronic opioid use; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Case Reports; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2022.e01505
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-2509

Abstract

Abstract: We present a case of polymicrobial sepsis with Capnocytophaga spp. complicated by purpura fulminans following a dog-bite in a 50-year-old-man with an extensive history of opioid use disorder. Generally, severe Capnocytophaga cases are thought to occur in patients with underlying immune deficiencies. However, this case highlights the importance of maintaining clinical suspicion for Capnocytophaga infection in immunocompetent patients, and we discuss the role of chronic opioid-use in severe infection. Highlights: Polymicrobial sepsis with Capnocytophaga in immunocompetent 50-year-old man. Chronic opioid use and its potential role in severe Capnocytophaga infection. Purpura fulminans can be an early indication of severe Capnocytophaga infection.