Zuzanna Czekaj

Background: The bacterium Capnocytophaga spp. is a part of the oral microbiome of dogs, which has zoonotic potential. This study aimed to assess factors that influence the prevalence of Capnocytophaga cynodegmi and Capnocytophaga canimorsus in Wrocaw’s dog population. Methods: Molecular detection (PCR) involved 105 swabs, examining parameters such as oral cavity condition, underlying health issues, recent antibiotics, age, medications, material collection, and dog chews. Results: The study highlighted significant associations between the presence of Capnocytophaga cynodegmi and oral cavity condition, material collection method, and use of dog’s chews. Conclusions: Correlations obtained in this study between the oral health of Wroclaw's dog population and the presence of Capnocytophaga cynodegmi suggest its significance in the oral microbiome of dogs. Limitations, including the small sample size, highlight the need for more research to comprehensively understand additional factors that affect the prevalence of Capnocytophaga spp. in dogs

Bacillus anthracis is the zoonotic agent that causes the disease known as anthrax. This pathogen has always been high on the list of potential agents with respect to biological warfare and bioweapons. B. anthracis causes severe respiratory, and cutaneous as well as gastrointestinal infections in humans. Among animals, the group most susceptible to infection are ruminants, in which the most common route of infection is local damage to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and/or gastrointestinal tract, less often the development of a widespread disease as a result of inhalation of spores. This review describes various features associated with pathogenicity-related factors of B. anthracis, pathogenesis of anthrax, human and animal forms of the disease, and the possibility of preventing and treating the disease. The article also mentions the potential use of the bacteria for bioterrorism as a biological weapon.