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Fusobacterium nucleatum: a commensal-turned pathogen
1Division of Periodontics, Section of Oral Diagnostics & Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, United States; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, United States; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, United States.
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|January 11, 2015
Summary
Fusobacterium nucleatum, an oral bacterium, is linked to numerous diseases, including pregnancy complications and cancers. Its FadA adhesin is a key factor in disease development and a potential diagnostic marker.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
- Oral Health
Background:
- Fusobacterium nucleatum is an anaerobic oral commensal.
- It is also a periodontal pathogen implicated in various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association of Fusobacterium nucleatum with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- To explore its role in gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory infections, Lemierre's syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease.
- To discuss its virulence mechanisms, including colonization, dissemination, and host response induction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Fusobacterium nucleatum's role in human diseases.
- Analysis of virulence mechanisms, focusing on colonization, dissemination, and host inflammatory/tumorigenic responses.
Main Results:
- Fusobacterium nucleatum is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes like chorioamnionitis, preterm birth, stillbirth, neonatal sepsis, and preeclampsia.
- It is implicated in GI disorders (colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis), cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory infections, Lemierre's syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease.
- The FadA adhesin/invasin is identified as a conserved, key virulence factor.
Conclusions:
- Fusobacterium nucleatum plays a significant role in a wide range of human diseases beyond oral health.
- Understanding its virulence mechanisms, particularly the FadA adhesin, is crucial for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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