Postoperative Capnocytophaga Sputigena Presenting as Diffuse Recalcitrant Intra-abdominal Abscesses

Abstract

Capnocytophaga sputigena is rarely implicated as the cause of postsurgical intra-abdominal abscess because it is almost exclusively found in oral flora. Despite its rarity in intra-abdominal infection, there are examples of this atypical presentation, and an awareness of this organism as a potential etiology of surgical infection is relevant for both obstetric and general surgeons. We report a case of a young female who presented just over a week after an uncomplicated C-section with complaint of abdominal discomfort and fevers. Imaging revealed multiple intra-abdominal fluid collections and cultures revealed the presence of C. sputigena. Percutaneous drainage and intravenous antibiotics were unable to provide significant source control, so she underwent surgical exploration with a multi-specialty team of obstetric and acute care surgeons. Although postsurgical pelvic abscesses are rarely due to C. sputigena, this organism has been documented to serve as a source of intra-abdominal infection.