Capnocytophaga canimorsus sepsis misdiagnosed as plague--New Mexico, 1992

Since 1961, 200 human isolates of Capnocytophaga canimorsus--a gram-negative bacterium--have been sent to CDC for identification. Infections with this organism may result in a spectrum of manifestations ranging from self-limiting cellulitis to fatal septicemia; most fatal infections have occurred in persons with a history of asplenia, alcoholism, or hematologic malignancy. In most (77%) cases, infection is preceded by a bite or other exposure to dogs. This report summarizes the investigation by the New Mexico Health and Environment departments and CDC of a fatal case of C. canimorsus infection in a resident of New Mexico. This case was initially misdiagnosed as human plague.