Capnocytophaga infections in humans are rare, especially in historically healthy individuals. But when it appears, it can be deadly.
A Capnocytophaga It is an extremely rare disease. Two epidemiological studies, cited by , suggest that, per year, it affects only between 0.5 and 0.7 people per million.
Capnocytophaga infection can be caused by nine species of bacteria that belong to the same genus: Capnocytophaga.
Some of these species, such as Capnocytophaga gingivalislive naturally in the mouths of humans and tend to cause infections mainly in people who have weakened immune systems.
However, most Capnocytophaga infections in humans are caused by C. canimorsus – a species that lives in the mouths of dogs and cats.
In addition, people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of catching Capnocytophaga and developing serious illnesses. no spleenor with disorders related to the consumption of alcohol and smoking.
Patients who do not have a spleen have a 30% to 60% higher risk of dying of Capnocytophaga infections. These patients may be particularly susceptible because the spleen plays a vital role in the immune system response to bacteria such as Capnocytophaga.
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Patients who become infected with C. canimorsus typically catch it when they are bitten or licked by a dog or cat, if saliva gets into a wound on the person’s body.
In people who develop Capnocytophaga infection, symptoms start normally between three and five days after biting/licking.
Patients may develop blisters at the wound site, redness, swelling, or pain. They may also have fever, diarrhea, vomiting and headaches.
Capnocytophaga bacteria can also spread to other organstriggering serious situations such as heart attacks, kidney failure and gangrene, the death of body tissue.
Furthermore, the infection can cause septicemia (blood poisoning) or meningitis (infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord). Patients who develop these serious illnesses have a probability of survival of 30% or 5%, respectively.
Capnocytophaga infection can be treated with antibioticsand rapid initiation of therapy can reduce the risk of developing serious complications.
Experts recommend that anyone bitten by an animal should contact a doctor to be evaluated. It should also immediately wash the areas affected with soap and water.
