CERVICAL ABSCESS DUE TO CAPNOCYTOPHAGA-OCHRACEA

Capnocytophaga is a gram-negative capnophilic bacterium which is part of the normal oral flora of humans (C. ochracea, C. gingivalis, C. spu tigena) and mammals such as canines, cats, and rodents (C. animorsus a nd C. cynodegmi). Its role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease is not well defined, and normally it represents an opportunistic germ of low pathogenicity. Threatening and fulminant infections have been o bserved in immunodeficient patients, and lately in immunocompetent hos ts. We describe an otherwise healthy woman who developed a cervical ab scess due to C. ochracea. Recurrent aphthous lesions are suspected to be the port of entrance for the germs. Bacteriological, clinical, epid emiological, and therapeutic aspects of Capnocytophaga infection are d iscussed.