Urticarial exanthem associated with Capnocytophaga canimorsus bacteremia after a dog bite

Abstract

Capnocytophaga canimorsus (Latin, canis, dog; morsus, bite) is a commensal gram-negative rod present in the oral flora of dogs; there are almost 500 reported infections, 60% of which have occurred after a dog bite, more than 80% after dog exposure, and more than 35% in the setting of alcoholism or splenectomy.1 Half of infections present with cutaneous manifestations2 including petechiae, purpura, cellulitis, gangrene, and eschars2; there is one report of urticarial lesions.3 This is an important disease to recognize given the 25% mortality rate associated with C canimorsus bacteremia.