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Identification of Virulence Markers of Mycobacterium abscessus for Intracellular Replication in Phagocytes
Published on: September 27, 2018
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Fusobacterium liver abscess
Ben D Buelow1, Joelle M Lambert2, Ryan M Gill1
1Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif., USA.
Case Reports in Gastroenterology
|December 19, 2013
Summary
Fusobacterium, an oropharyngeal pathogen, can cause liver abscesses, a rare but serious condition. Early consideration of this anaerobic bacteria is crucial for diagnosing liver abscesses, especially when initial cultures are negative.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
Background:
- Fusobacterium species are known oropharyngeal pathogens.
- Lemierre's syndrome, a septic thrombophlebitis, is a recognized complication.
- Visceral abscess formation by Fusobacterium is under-recognized.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old male presented with fever and abdominal pain, exhibiting liver lesions.
- Liver biopsy revealed Gram-negative bacilli consistent with Fusobacterium species via Warthin-Starry stain.
- Routine microscopy did not identify the organism.
Findings:
- The case confirmed Fusobacterium as the causative agent of liver abscess.
- Anaerobic culture results corroborated the diagnosis.
- Warthin-Starry stain was critical for identifying the anaerobic bacteria.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering Fusobacterium in liver abscess cases.
- Suggests including anaerobic cultures when initial evaluations are inconclusive.
- Underscores the need for broader diagnostic considerations for Fusobacterium infections.
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