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- An Ohio woman woke up from a coma, partially amputated limbs after developing gangrene caused by the bacterium Capnocytophaga.
- Doctors believe that the infection developed after the woman's dogs had licked a small scratch on her arm.
- Most healthy animals carry the bacterium Capnocytophaga.
- While 30% of serious infections with Capnocytophaga are fatal, most people are not at risk.
- Visit the INSIDER homepage for more.
A woman from Ohio had the impression of having the flu, lying on the couch and waking up 10 days later to see the partial amputation of her two arms. According to Fox 8, the doctors fought to save his life (and his limbs) by removing the many clots in his arms and legs, which caused gangrene or the death of certain tissues. But too much damage had already been done.
A blood test and cultures confirmed that the infection came from the bacterium Capnocytophaga, which would have been transmitted after the woman's dog had licked a scrape on her arm, reported Fox 8.
While serious Capnocytophaga infections in humans are rare, the bacteria itself is common in healthy cats and dogs. Up to 74% of dogs have bacteria in their mouths and never get sick. Cats are also hosts of Capnocytophaga, although they are less likely to transmit it to humans.
The vast majority of people who interact with pets will not get sick. However, people with compromised immune systems, older people and people bitten by animals may be at risk.
Read more: A man's legs and hands were amputated after a dog licked him a serious illness – here's what you need to know about it
Dr. Thomas Butler, a specialist in infectious diseases, has already told INSIDER that the bacteria Capnocytophaga can be transmitted when saliva comes into contact with an open wound, wherever the skin is broken or a mucous membrane such as your eyes, nose or your mouth. That's why a lick of your favorite furry friend, especially on your face, can be problematic.
Capnocytophaga infection can cause flu-like symptoms
Blisters, fever, confusion, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain may appear 1 to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
The infection can escalate into life-threatening complications such as sepsis, a life-threatening inflammation caused by the body fighting the disease. High fever, chills, extreme pain, shortness of breath, high heart rate, dizziness, and moist, clammy skin are all signs of sepsis.
If you suspect an infection and your condition worsens rapidly, see a doctor immediately. The infection can also cause necrosis and gangrene, even tissue death, which may require amputation.
Anything that weakens your immune system can increase your risk of infection with Capnocytophaga
According to a 2016 case report, older people are particularly prone to contracting sepsis of Capnocytophaga infection because the immune system can deteriorate with age. Older people may also be more likely to own pets, the report said.
Other risk factors include diseases such as HIV or cancer, certain types of medications, and even heavy alcohol consumption.
Dog bites are more likely to put you at risk for Capnocytophaga infection
Dogs are more likely to transmit the bacteria than cats, although most often by bites. Nevertheless, the scratches of one or the other animal can spread germs. Therefore, you should always wash animal bites immediately with water and soap – they can carry a lot more than bacteria, including rabies.
Although 50% of Americans are likely to be bitten by a dog at least once in their lifetime, Capnocytophaga is still extremely rare: only 54 human cases have been reported from 1972 to 2004, according to one study. About 200 human cases have been reported worldwide since 1976, according to another 2011 study.
Lesson? Keep playing with your pets, just be sure to wash your hands (and any drool on the body parts) afterwards.
Read more:
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A parasite found in cat poop was badociated with a higher probability of entrepreneurial behavior in infected persons
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