JD, a 63-year-old man, was admitted to the ER with fever, shortness of breath, and purplish spots on his skin. Despite no recent hospital visits or travel, he developed symptoms like infection, including lymphocytopenia (white blood cell deficiency) and thrombocytopenia (blood clot cell deficiency), indicating an active immune system. Tests revealed acute kidney injury, muscle breakdown, acidosis, and potential massive bacteremia. His condition escalated to sepsis with multiple organ failure. Blood cultures identified Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a bacteria from dog saliva, as the cause. JD's condition worsened despite antibiotics and antifungal treatments, leading to gangrene in his limbs and severe brain damage. The case highlights the rare but serious risk of infection from pet animals' saliva, especially for immunocompromised individuals.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. JD, a 63-year-old man, was admitted to the hospital with fever, shortness of breath, and purplish spots on his face and legs.
2. JD had not recently traveled or been to the hospital, and had no prior medical conditions.
3. Examination revealed bruise-like spots on his legs, but no cuts or wounds.
4. Blood tests showed that JD had lymphocytopenia, a deficiency of white blood cells that fight infection.
5. JD also had thrombocytopenia, a deficiency of blood clot cells.
6. Additional tests revealed that JD had liver dysfunction and acute kidney injury.
7. JD's muscles were breaking down, releasing muscle proteins into his bloodstream.
8. JD's kidneys were damaged, causing him to develop acidosis.
9. JD's organs were shutting down, and he was in septic shock.
10. Blood culture results revealed that JD had a Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection, a type of bacteria that lives in the mouths of dogs and cats.
11. JD had no visible bite marks or scratches, but had been close with his pet dogs.
12. The bacteria had entered JD's body through his skin or mouth, possibly through licking or kissing from his dogs.
13. JD was treated with multiple antibiotics, but developed a fungal infection, Candida albicans, in his bloodstream.
14. JD's condition worsened, and he developed gangrene in all four limbs.
15. A CT scan revealed that JD had severe hypoxia and swelling in his brain.
16. The medical team determined that JD would likely have permanent brain damage and loss of function in his organs if he survived.
17. JD was eventually discharged from the hospital after 16 days, but with significant damage to his body.
18. The infection is rare, with only 0.67 cases per 1 million people reported in the Netherlands.
19. The bacteria, Capnocytophaga canimorsus, can cause severe sepsis and organ failure, even in healthy individuals with strong immune systems.
20. The case highlights the importance of seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms of sepsis, such as fever, bruise-like spots, and shortness of breath, occur.