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The predominant pathogens in animal bite wounds are the oral flora of the biting animal and human skin flora. Infection usually results from a mixture of organisms. Common pathogens include Pasteurella species, staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobic bacteria. Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a fastidious gram-negative rod, can cause bacteremia and fatal sepsis after animal bites, especially in asplenic patients, chronic alcohol abusers, or those with underlying hepatic disease. So if the bite won"t kill them; maybe the ensuing infection will. [27, 28]
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