Woman Loses Her Limbs After Innocent Dog Lick
Summary
Manjit Sangha faced a severe case of sepsis, resulting in an extensive 32-week hospitalization. This challenging journey highlights the critical nature of sepsis awareness and the importance of timely medical intervention.
Key Insights
What is Capnocytophaga and how can it lead to sepsis from a dog lick?
Capnocytophaga is a bacterium commonly found in dog saliva that is usually harmless to healthy people but can enter the bloodstream through open wounds or cuts, potentially causing severe sepsis in individuals with weakened immune systems. This can lead to rapid progression to septic shock, organ failure, and tissue death requiring limb amputation, as seen in rare documented cases.
Who is at higher risk for severe infection from a dog lick, and how can it be prevented?
Higher risk groups include people with weakened immune systems, such as those without a spleen, diabetics, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, elderly individuals, or those with liver disease or on long-term steroids. Prevention involves washing any licked area promptly, avoiding licks on open wounds, and seeking immediate medical attention for flu-like symptoms after animal contact.