Fusobacterium
Fusobacterium
Fusobacterium (pronounced: fyoo-soh-bak-teer-ee-uhm) is a genus of anaerobic, Gram-negative bacteria, similar to Bacteroides.
Etymology
The term "Fusobacterium" is derived from the Latin word "fusus," meaning spindle, and the Greek word "bakterion," meaning small rod. This is in reference to the spindle-shaped appearance of these bacteria under a microscope.
Description
Fusobacterium is a type of bacteria that is known to cause a variety of infections in humans. These bacteria are part of the normal flora of the human mouth and can cause dental plaque and gum disease. They can also cause more serious infections, such as periodontitis, appendicitis, and Lemierre's syndrome.
Fusobacterium is also associated with colorectal cancer. Some species of Fusobacterium, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, are particularly virulent and can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections.
Related Terms
- Bacteroides: A genus of Gram-negative, obligate anaerobic bacteria. Bacteroides species are non-endospore-forming bacilli, and may be either motile or non-motile, depending on the species.
- Periodontitis: A serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth.
- Appendicitis: An inflammation of the appendix, a small tube that branches off the large intestine, causing severe abdominal pain.
- Lemierre's syndrome: A rare disorder that often begins with a sore throat followed by fever, and then progresses to more serious symptoms such as septicemia and thrombosis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fusobacterium
- Wikipedia's article - Fusobacterium
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