Septic Arthritis and Multifocal Osteomyelitis Caused by Capnocytophaga Canimorsus: A Case Report

Abstract

Microbiological diagnosis of chronic osteoarticular infections remains a major challenge, particularly when the clinical presentation is atypical and the pathogen is uncommon. In this unique case, Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a microorganism belonging to the oral microbiota of some domestic animals, caused septic arthritis and multifocal osteomyelitis in the long bone of a 43-year-old immunocompetent man. The patient was treated with two-stage surgery and local and systemic antibiotic therapy, and had a successful recovery. C. canimorsus should be considered as a possible etiological agent in patients with osteoarticular pathology and a history of exposure to domestic animals.