A 49-year-old male with AIDS presents with fever, sepsis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Blood cultures drawn demonstrate a fusiform gram-negative rod after five days of incubation. The organism grows on sheep blood and chocolate agars after 48 hours incubation in a carbon dioxide atmosphere. It proves to be oxidase and catalase positive. What information in the patient history could help correlate the source of this organism with its identification?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

DThe organism described is likely Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a gram-negative rod that is part of the normal oral flora of dogs and cats. It can cause severe infections in humans, especially in immunocompromised individuals like those with AIDS. History of exposure to animals (C) is relevant because bites or even close contact with dogs or cats can lead to infection. Recent dental manipulation (D) is also a pertinent history because Capnocytophaga canimorsus can be part of the human oral flora as well, and dental procedures can lead to bacteremia with organisms from the oral cavity.

A 49-Year-Old Male with AIDS Presents with Fever, Sepsis, and Disseminated