Fusobacterium nucleatum

Background

• Anaerobic Gram-negative and Gram-variable thin needle-like bacillus with pointed ends
  • Indole positive
  • Forms umbonate "fried egg" colonies after 3 to 5 days of incubaction
• Within the genus Fusobacterium
• Commensal member of oral flora

Clinical Manifestations

• Mostly oral infections, including periodontitis, gingivitis, and other endodontic infections
• Implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes, including chorioamnionitis, preterm birth, and stillbirth
• Has also been found in Lemierre syndrome, appendicitis, brain abscess, osteomyelitis, and pericarditis
• Metagenomics of colorectal cancer have identified an association