Do not snog the dog: infective endocarditis due to Capnocytophaga canimorsus

We present a case of prosthetic valve endocarditis and paravalvular abscess caused by the canine bacteria Capnocytophaga canimorsus in a 63-year-old m an, who made a habit of snogging his pet dog. Capnocytophaga canimorsus can cause culture-negative endocarditis, therefore a high level of clinical aw areness and the appropriate isolation techniques are important for making t he diagnosis. Antibiotic therapy and properly timed excision of the infecte d focus are recommended. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved .