Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Capnocytophaga canimorsus septicemia: fifth report of a cat-associated infection and five other cases.
- Journal:
- European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
- Year:
- 1995
- Authors:
- Valtonen, M et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Medicine
Plain-English summary
Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a type of bacteria that usually lives in the mouths of dogs and cats. While it's part of their normal flora, it can cause serious infections in people, especially those with weakened immune systems or those who have been bitten by dogs. This report highlights the fifth known case of a human getting a severe infection from a cat, emphasizing that cats can also be a source of this bacteria. It also notes that people who drink heavily are at a higher risk for these infections, which can lead to serious complications like bleeding or clotting issues. Overall, the findings stress the importance of being cautious around pets, especially if you have any open wounds.
Abstract
Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a fastidious, slow-growing, gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that belongs to the normal oral flora of dogs and cats. Human septicemic infections are associated with a high mortality; most cases occur in immunocompromised patients with a history of dog bite. The fifth case of cat-associated septicemia caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus is described. The six case reports presented here point out the characteristics reported previously: (a) cats are a source of human infection; (b) alcohol abuse is an important risk factor for the development of septicemic Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection; (c) septicemic infection often manifests with disseminated intravascular consumption coagulopathy or purpura; and (d) some cases of septicemia in humans result from pets that lick skin ulcers.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7588825/