Capnocytophaga ochracea-related Bacterium Bacteremia in a Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patient without Neutropenia

Intern Med. 2016;55(18):2731-5. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.55.6593. Epub 2016 Sep 15.

Abstract

Gram-negative fusiform rods were detected in a blood culture obtained from a 63-year-old man who had been hospitalized for a long duration for severe heart failure. Although the organism could not be identified using a conventional method, it was finally identified as a bacterium of the Capnocytophaga ochracea group based on the results of biochemical testing, 16S rRNA sequencing and a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis. Although neutropenic patients with poor oral hygiene are exclusively vulnerable to Capnocytophaga bacteremia, this case was unique because such predisposing conditions were not noted. A multi-centered investigation is warranted for a better understanding of this clinically rare, but potentially pathogenic organism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bacteremia / complications*
  • Bacteremia / microbiology*
  • Capnocytophaga*
  • Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic / complications*
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization

Substances

  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S