Empyema Caused by Unusual Pathogen Capnocytophaga

Empyema is a collection of pus in the pleural space. It is typically a serious complication of pneumonia with high morbidity and mortality rates.The most common organisms causing empyema are gram positive organisms such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Management of empyema includes drainage by chest tube or surgery and use of appropriate antibiotics. Capnocytophagaempyemais extremely rare and to our knowledge there is only few cases that have been reported. Capnocytophaga is a group of long, thin, fusiform, slowly growing, facultative anaerobic, Gram-negative rods with gliding motility whose growth is optimal in a CO2-enriched atmosphere; hence the name Capnocytophaga (consumption of CO2). 

Capnocytophagaspecies are part of the normal oral flora in dogs, cats, and humans and were once associated with periodontal disease but are now considered commensals in dental plaque of humans. Capnocytophagainfections can have varied clinical presentations, such as periodontal disease, respiratory tract infections, ophthalmic lesions, traumatic pericarditis, mediastinal abscess, brain abscess, meningitis, and peritonitis. Read more................