Fatal Capnocytophaga canimorsus (DF-2) septicaemia. A case report

A 45-year-old man died 2 months after being bitten on the hand by a dog. He developed the rare but characteristic clinical picture of fulminant septicaemia and peripheral gangrene caused by a Gram-negative bacillus, Capnocytophaga canimorsus, previously known as dysgonic fermenter type 2 (DF-2), which is an occasional commensal in the oral flora of dogs and cats. This disease must be anticipated and dog bites appropriately managed to avoid the mortality associated with infection by this micro-organism. Initial treatment includes appropriate prophylactic antibiotics and debridement, while early exchange transfusion and emergency amputation may be of value in fulminant cases.