Dysgonic fermenter type 2 septicemia with purpura fulminans. Dermatologic features of a zoonosis acquired from household pets.

Dysgonic fermenter type 2, a gram-negative bacillus that is part of the normal oral flora of dogs and cats, is responsible for increasing numbers of cases of fulminant septicemia in humans. Patients usually have preexisting medical illnesses, but infection also occurs in otherwise healthy individuals. Most infections are acquired through animal contact. Dermatologic eruptions occur in half of the patients with dysgonic fermenter type 2 infection, and include petechiae, purpura, cellulitis, and gangrene.