Fusobacterium necrophorum
From IDWiki
Fusobacterium necrophorum
Background
- Anaerobic Gram-negative or Gram-variable bacillus within the genus Fusobacterium
- Previously known as Bacillus necrophorus
Clinical Manifestations
- Odontogenic infections
- Causative organism of Lemierre syndrome
- Can spread hematogenously to bone and joint, muscles and soft tissue, liver, spleen, and endocarditis
- Can cause peritonsillar abscess, deep neck space infections, and mediastinitis
- Has been implicated in venous sinus thrombophlebitis, meningitis, and brain abscess (the latter more often in polymicrobial infection and more commonly involves Fusobacterium nucleatum)
Management
- First-line options include piperacillin-tazobactam, carbapenems, and metronidazole
Further Reading
- Human Infection with Fusobacterium necrophorum (Necrobacillosis) with a Focus on Lemierre Syndrome. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2007;20(4):622-659. doi 10.1128/CMR.00011-07
