Capnocytophaga sputigena empyema

Abstract

Empyema is a problem faced by clinicians worldwide. Most cases are caused by Gram-positive organisms, such as streptococci and staphylococci. Empyema caused by Capnocytophaga spp. is extremely uncommon (H. Bonatti et al., Clin. Microbiol. Infect. 9:380-387, 2003). We present a unique case of a polymicrobial empyema, with a predominance of Capnocytophaga sputigena, in an older patient with no history of animal bite or splenectomy. Copyright © 2013, American Society for Microbiology.