Capnocytophaga canimorsus

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a Gram-negative bacillus (rod-shaped) bacterium that causes a zoonotic disease in mostly asplenic patients. It is a member of the normal gingival flora of dogs and cats. It causes fulminant sepsis with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), in typically asplenic patients.

Treatment
Treatment is via antibiotics with the possible aid of activated protein C or plasmapheresis in severe cases.

Following animal bites, co-amoxiclav is often given to asplenic individuals to prevent disseminated infection; but in patients who are allergic to penicillins, the combination of doxycycline and metronidazole (to cover anaerobic organisms) may be used instead.

In patients with sepsis, treatment with imipenem, clindamycin, or a penicillin-&beta;-lactamase inhibitor combination (e.g., co-amoxiclav or piperacillin-tazobactam) should be used. Doxycycline is active in vitro but there is little experience in using it in treating sepsis, and in many countries there is no intravenous form available, which suggests that it should be reserved for when no other options are available.

Capnocytophaga canimorsus was AKA Dysgonic fermenter type 2 (DF2).