Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Bile Salt-induced Biofilm Formation in Enteric Pathogens: Techniques for Identification and Quantification
Published on: May 6, 2018
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.
Abstract:
Fusobacterium necrophorum is the oropharyngeal pathogen usually associated with Lemierre's syndrome, a pharyngeal infection which evolves to sepsis, septic emboli and thrombophlebitis of the adjacent neck vessels. It is an uncommon causative bacteria of a liver abscess, and an extensive workup should, therefore, be performed in order to rule out potential sources of the infection. This case report describes the workup that led to the diagnosis of a colorectal carcinoma, which was deemed to be the source of the Fusobacterium bacteraemia.
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.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Bacterial Phylum Proteobacteria
Bacterial Phylum Bacteroidota
Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria

