German Man Passes Away After Being Licked By Dog Causing Him To Contract A Rare Infection

Dec 04, 2019

The death of a 63-year-old German man is proof that dogs really do not have the most hygienic mouths. The man died recently after he was afflicted by a rare bacterial infection given to him from his dog. What was the cause? His dog's mouth.

The bacteria is called Capnocytophaga canimorsus, and can be found in the saliva and gums of dogs and cats. This bacteria can be transferred to humans. In this case, the German man's dog licked him, which gave him the germ that lead to an infection, reports CNN.

Reports by the European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine reported that the German man was healthy before contracting the bacterial infection. He became feverish, had difficulty breathing, leg pain, and a rash on his face and legs that was purple and red.

The 63-year-old was admitted to the intensive care unit due to organ failure. Powerful antibiotics and other life-saving measures were used, but the man's health continued to deteriorate.

You might be wondering how the doctors found out what was wrong. Blood tests helped the doctors determine that the man had the bacteria Capnocytophaga canimorsus. The elderly man's dog had recently licked and touched him over the past couple of weeks, and they were able to determine that he had not been bitten or injured in any other way.

The man's family and doctors made the decision to discontinue treatment. According to Global News, life support was relinquished, and the man passed away from the infection only 16 days after the doctors began treatment.

What is Capnocytophaga canimorsus? This germ is commonly found in the mouths of humans, cats and dogs; the CDC reports that the germs found in dogs and cats can be given to people by biting or other close contact. Most of these infections are contracted through dog bites or dog contact.

This germ can cause infection to people who have weakened immune systems. Individuals with weakened immune systems include those who are excessive drinkers, have had spleen removal or have the HIV infection or cancer. If you have any of these conditions, you should speak to your doctor about how to have safe interactions with dogs and cats.

In most causes Capnocytophaga canimorsus does not cause infections in people and generally dog or cat and human interaction doesn't lead to illness.

What are your thoughts about this germ? Have you heard of it before? What precautions do you take when interacting with cats and dogs? If you know someone who needs this information, make sure you pass this article along to them. You could be saving their life!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!