DF-2 bacteremia following cat bites. Report of two cases

Abstract

DF-2 is a recently described gram-negative bacillus known to be part of the normal flora of dogs. A variety of serious infections (bacteremia, endocarditis, meningitis, cellulitis) caused by DF-2 have occurred following dog bites. Asplenic patients appear to be especially susceptible to DF-2 infection. Two cases of DF-2 bacteremia occurring after domestic cat bites are reported. Sepsis and meningitis developed in an asplenic patient, and an immunocompetent patient presented with primary cellulitis. Both patients responded promptly to parenteral antibiotic therapy. DF-2 must now be considered along with Pasteurella multocida in the differential of cellulitis or sepsis following bites or scratches from domestic cats.