What is "capnocytophaga"

Capnocytophaga is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria. Normally found in the oropharyngeal tract of mammals, they are involved in the pathogenesis of some animal bite wounds as well as periodontal diseases.

• Capnocytophaga canimorsus transmission following a dog bite can cause overwhelming sepsis in asplenic patients, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. Empiric treatment for this bacteria following a dog bite, consisting of a third-generation cephalosporin early in the infection, should be instituted in these patient populations, or following deep bites or dog bites to the hand.