Species-specific detection of Capnocytophaga in domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and domestic cats (Felis catus) using a two reaction end-point multiplex PCR assay.

Capnocytophaga species from domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris; dogs hereafter) and cats (Felis catus; cats hereafter) bites poses zoonotic risks. We developed a two-reaction multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay targeting the gyrB gene for the species-specific detection of five Capnocytophaga species. Screening of 300 oral swabs from dogs and cats revealed Capnocytophaga in 51.7% of the samples. The prevalence of the species was as follows: C. cynodegmi (58.7%), C. canis (57.4%), C. canimorsus (32.9%), C. felis (9.7%), and C. stomatis (8.4%). Co-carriage was observed in 53.5% of the positive samples. This assay addresses limitations of culture-based methods and can be used as a molecular surveillance tool for Capnocytophaga detection in companion animals.