# Capnocytophaga sputigena Tonsillitis in a Patient With Acute Myeloid Leukemia

**Authors:** Ethan Heh, Jesse C Allen, Mark Raynor, Rivers A Hock, Diego P Peralta

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56551 · 2024-03-20

## TL;DR

This paper describes a rare case of tonsillitis caused by Capnocytophaga sputigena in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in the rare presentation of tonsillitis caused by C. sputigena in a leukemia patient.

## Key findings

- C. sputigena can cause tonsillitis in immunocompromised patients.
- Managing C. sputigena infections presents unique clinical challenges.
- The case highlights the importance of considering rare pathogens in leukemia patients.

## Abstract

Capnocytophaga sputigena is a gram-negative facultatively anaerobic, capnophilic bacterium typically residing in the human oropharyngeal flora. This opportunistic pathogen can cause a wide range of infections, from bacteremia to septic abortion. However, it is exceedingly rare for a patient to present with tonsillitis due to C.
sputigena. Herein, we discuss the presentation, hospital course, and clinical trajectory of a patient experiencing complications of tonsillitis related to C. sputigena in the context of acute myeloid leukemia. Additionally, we delve into the treatment approaches and challenges in managing this particular pathogen.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** acute myeloid leukemia (MONDO:0015667), tonsillitis (MONDO:0001039)
- **Species:** Capnocytophaga sputigena (taxon 1019)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Acute Myeloid Leukemia (MESH:D015470), Capnocytophaga sputigena Tonsillitis (MESH:D014069), bacteremia (MESH:D016470), infections (MESH:D007239), septic abortion (MESH:D000031)
- **Species:** Capnocytophaga sputigena (species) [taxon 1019], Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11027020/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11027020