How common is Capnocytophaga? Since 1976, when C. canimorsus was first described, approximately 200 cases of human infection have been reported worldwide, but this is likely just the “tip of the iceberg.” Because infection is not reportable, it is hard to estimate how many cases truly occur.
Is Capnocytophaga infection rare?
Capnocytophaga infection in humans is rare. Previous studies were focused on C. canimorsus, as it is the most common among the genus to cause human disease [4].
What are the chances of getting sick from dog saliva?
As many as 74% of dogs have the bacteria in their mouths, and never get sick themselves. Cats are also hosts to Capnocytophaga, although they're less likely to transmit it to humans. The vast majority of people who interact with pets won't get sick.
Does every dog have Capnocytophaga?
Many kinds of bacteria (germs) called Capnocytophaga live in the mouths of dogs and cats. These germs do not make dogs or cats sick. Rarely, Capnocytophaga germs can spread to people through bites, scratches, or close contact from a dog or cat and may cause illness, including sepsis.
How do you know if you have Capnocytophaga canimorsus?
Doctors diagnose Capnocytophaga canimorsus by detecting it in the blood by growing the bacterium in cultures performed in a microbiology laboratory. Blood cultures may detect most bacteria ("become positive") within 1 to 2 days of incubating the blood in the lab.
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