An autopsy case involving severe sepsis due to Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection

Abstract

Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a commensal bacterium from the carine mouth, causes septicemia in human beings through bites or scratches. We report a case of a 60-year-old man contracting septicemia due to C. canimorsus infection after a dog bite who died less than 12 hours after admission. We observed neutrophils with intracytoplasmic bacilli in the peripheral blood smear. We discuss clinical presentation and autopsy findings.