Fusobacterium necrophorum

Fusobacterium necrophorum

Fusobacterium necrophorum (pronounced: fyoo-soh-bak-TEER-ee-uhm nek-roh-FOR-uhm) is a species of anaerobic bacteria that is part of the normal flora in the human oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract. It is known to cause a variety of infections, most notably Lemierre's syndrome.

Etymology

The name Fusobacterium necrophorum is derived from the Latin fusus meaning spindle, referring to the shape of the bacteria, and necrophorum meaning death-bearing, due to its association with severe infections.

Infections

Fusobacterium necrophorum is a common cause of pharyngitis in adolescents and young adults. It can also cause peritonsillar abscess, mastoiditis, otitis media, and sinusitis. The most severe infection associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum is Lemierre's syndrome, a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein following a bout of pharyngitis.

Treatment

Treatment for infections caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum typically involves antibiotics that are effective against anaerobic bacteria, such as metronidazole, penicillin, or clindamycin. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain abscesses or remove infected tissue.

Related Terms

• Anaerobic bacteria
• Flora
• Oropharynx
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Female genital tract
• Lemierre's syndrome
• Pharyngitis
• Peritonsillar abscess
• Mastoiditis
• Otitis media
• Sinusitis
• Septic thrombophlebitis
• Antibiotics
• Metronidazole
• Penicillin
• Clindamycin

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Fusobacterium necrophorum
• Wikipedia's article - Fusobacterium necrophorum

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