[The presence of Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Capnocytophaga cynodegmi in companion animals in the Netherlands].

The presence of Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Capnocytophaga cynodegmi in companion animals in The Netherlands. This article reports about a research that is done to determine the presence of Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Capnocytophaga cynodegmi in companion animals in the Netherlands using a species specific PCR in combination with classic microbial isolation. Because of the high presence of the bacteria in the mouth of especially cats and dogs (respectively 21 and 19%) and the severe consequences of an infection for humans the risk of an infection with C. canimorsus is high. Therefore owners of cats and dogs should be informed about this risk especially if the owners belong to specific risk groups like elderly people, pregnant women, young children and immune deficient patients.