Bacteraemia and liver abscess due to Fusobacterium necrophorum

Rafael García Carretero1, Marta Lopez-Lomba2, Oscar Vazquez-Gomez1

  • 1Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario de Mostoles, Mostoles, Madrid, Spain.

BMJ Case Reports
|July 30, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Fusobacterium necrophorum can cause Lemierre's syndrome. This case highlights colorectal cancer as an unusual source of Fusobacterium bacteremia, emphasizing thorough infection workups.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Fusobacterium necrophorum is a primary oropharyngeal pathogen.
  • Lemierre's syndrome involves pharyngeal infection evolving to sepsis, septic emboli, and neck vessel thrombophlebitis.
  • Liver abscesses are an uncommon manifestation of F. necrophorum infection.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with a liver abscess.
  • Extensive workup was initiated to identify the infection's source.
  • The workup revealed an underlying colorectal carcinoma.

Findings:

  • Colorectal carcinoma was identified as the source of Fusobacterium bacteremia.
  • This case demonstrates an unusual origin for F. necrophorum bacteremia.
  • The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.

Implications:

  • Physicians should consider non-oropharyngeal sources for Fusobacterium infections.
  • Early diagnosis of underlying malignancy is crucial in unexplained bacteremia.
  • This case expands the known spectrum of F. necrophorum-associated conditions.

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