CAPNOCYTOPHAGA-CANIMORSUS SEPTICEMIA - 5TH REPORT OF A CAT-ASSOCIATEDINFECTION AND 5 OTHER CASES

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a fastidious, slow-growing, gram-negative , rod-shaped bacterium that belongs to the normal oral flora of dogs a nd cats. Human septicemic infections are associated with a high mortal ity; most cases occur in immunocompromised patients with a history of dog bite. The fifth case of cat-associated septicemia caused by Capnoc ytophaga canimorsus is described. The six case reports presented here point out the characteristics reported previously: (a) cats are a sour ce of human infection; (b) alcohol abuse is an important risk factor f or the development of septicemic Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection; (c) septicemic infection often manifests with disseminated intravascul ar consumption coagulopathy or purpura; and (d) some cases of septicem ia in humans result from pets that lick skin ulcers.