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Mysterious infections from dog bites: Why are older people more susceptible?
With the popularity of dogs, dog bites have become a common accident in modern life. However, along with it may be a little-known but potentially dangerous bacterial infection: Capnocytophaga canimorsus. Although this bacterium is rarely found in the human mouth, it is a commensal bacterium in the mouth of many dogs. Once a dog bite occurs, the risk faced by the elderly increases significantly.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a gram-negative anaerobic bacillus that is usually not a problem in healthy individuals but can be fatal to those with other health problems.
Infection routes and symptoms
Capnocytophaga canimorsus is mainly transmitted through bites, licks and contact between dogs and cats. After infection, the incubation period can range from a few days to a few weeks, with most symptoms becoming apparent the day after exposure. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain and confusion. In severe cases, it can lead to systemic sepsis and multiple organ failure.
Who is at high risk?
According to statistics, about 4.7 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs every year, and the vast majority of the victims are middle-aged and elderly people. In fact, according to research data, about 60% of people infected with C. canimorsus are 50 years old and older. This is because the immune systems of the elderly are weaker than those of the young, making them more susceptible to infection.
Older adults are more susceptible to infestation by C. canimorsus due to more frequent contact with pets and underlying health problems.
Immune system vulnerability
As the elderly age, their immune system function declines and their ability to defend against bacterial infections is greatly reduced. Especially for patients who have undergone splenectomy, their immune response is further weakened, making them susceptible to serious infections and have a significantly higher mortality rate than other patients.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing C. canimorsus infection is difficult because it grows slowly and the diagnosis and treatment process often requires comparing the patient's recent animal contact history. Antibiotic therapy is usually effective against the bacteria, but delays in seeking medical attention may result in worsening of the condition.
Prompt cleaning of the bite and antibiotic treatment in a medical institution can significantly improve the cure rate.
How to prevent infection?
Avoiding contact with pets from unknown sources and treating dog bites with care are extremely important. Hygiene habits and regular checks on your pet's health are effective preventive measures. At the same time, elderly people with relevant high-risk symptoms should seek medical attention and examination as soon as possible.
Conclusion
As the elderly population grows, the risk of C. canimorsus infection increases accordingly. Understanding its hazards and preventive measures is an important part of protecting the elderly around us. In our daily lives, we should enhance our awareness of this hidden pathogen to reduce the potential crisis it brings. How can we better protect these high-risk groups to reduce the occurrence of infection?
