Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a rod-shaped, gram-negative bacterium that is approximately 1-3μm long. This pathogen is a commensal bacterium found in the normal gingival flora of canines and felines and can be transmitted through various means, including bites, licks, or close proximity to these animals. In humans, C. canimorsus can lead to fulminant septicemia which is often lethal.