Routine use of 16S rRNA PCR and subsequent sequencing from blood samples in septic shock: about two case reports of Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection in immunocompetent patients.

16S rRNA gene PCR proves an important diagnostic tool when facing a sepsis of unknown origin. In these two cases of septic shock related to Capnocytophaga canimorsus, initial blood cultures remained negative at 24 h, whereas the diagnosis was achieved by 16S rRNA PCR sequencing performed from blood samples obtained at admission.