From the Guidelines
The most common infection from dog saliva is Capnocytophaga canimorsus, as indicated by the 2013 recommendations by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) 1. When considering the potential pathogens from dog saliva, it's essential to note that the oral cavity of dogs is the primary source of these microorganisms. According to the study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases 1, Capnocytophaga canimorsus is one of the prominent groups of microorganisms initially considered in the evaluation of patients bitten by dogs. Some key points to consider:
- The infection can enter the human body through bites, scratches, or even licking of broken skin.
- Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and proper wound cleaning is essential to prevent infection.
- Certain individuals, such as those with compromised immunity, face higher risks of severe infection.
- Prompt treatment is crucial, as Capnocytophaga infections can become serious quickly, potentially causing sepsis or even death in high-risk individuals. The study highlights that animal bite wounds are often polymicrobial in nature and include a variety of anaerobes, but Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a primary concern when dealing with dog saliva 1.
From the Research
Infections from Dog Saliva
- The most common infection from dog saliva is caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida 2, 3, 4.
- Pasteurella multocida is a frequent cause of infection after animal bites, and it is commonly found in the saliva of pet dogs 2.
- The bacterium can cause a wide range of infections, including localized soft tissue infections, pneumonia, and joint infections 3, 4, 5.
Transmission and Risk
- The risk of transmission of Pasteurella multocida from dogs to humans is generally considered to be low, except in cases of animal bites or other direct contact with infected saliva 2.
- Dog owners are at a higher risk of infection, but the risk is still relatively low, with only 1 out of 27 dog owners found to harbor the organism in one study 2.
Treatment and Antimicrobial Susceptibility
- Pasteurella multocida is generally susceptible to most antimicrobial agents, including penicillin, ampicillin, and cephalosporins 3, 6.
- However, some strains may be resistant to certain antibiotics, such as sulphonamides, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides 6.
- The choice of antibiotic therapy should be guided by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and clinical judgment 5.