NCJ Number
214507
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 51 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2006 Pages: 664-666
Date Published
May 2006
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article reports on a case of death due to a bacterial infection (Capnocytophaga species) apparently transmitted to the decedent when his dog licked an open abrasion on his hand.
Abstract
A 44-year-old man presented to the emergency room complaining of "not feeling well" for several days. He was treated with oxygen but became progressively worse with symptoms of adult respiratory distress syndrome. He died 4 hours after being admitted to the hospital. At autopsy, a histology of the lung showed diffuse alveolar damage with hyaline membrane formation. The slow-growing bacteria of Capnocytophaga species were considered in the differential diagnoses; and after several days, the organism that grew on chocolate agar was identified as Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a bacteria found in cats or dogs and that can be transmitted to people through bites, licking, scratching, or other types of exposure to the animal. Individuals who have had their spleens removed are particularly at risk for infection from this bacteria. This was the condition of the individual in the case study. It is important for emergency personnel and forensic pathologists to be aware of canine Capnocytophaga infections, particularly in patients with impaired immune systems and asplenia who show bites, scratches, or even superficial contact with the saliva of cats or dogs. It is rare for healthy persons to become infected with this bacteria. 1 figure and 16 references