Cryptogenic pyogenic liver abscess caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum in an immunocompetent patient

Omar Salehi1, Andrew Chen2, Jevan Cevik3

  • 1Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia osalehi012@gmail.com.

BMJ Case Reports
|December 14, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Fusobacterium necrophorum is a rare cause of liver abscesses. This case highlights a cryptogenic hepatic abscess in a young, healthy patient, emphasizing the need for broad diagnostic considerations.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Pyogenic liver abscesses are serious infections requiring prompt antimicrobial therapy and drainage.
  • Fusobacterium necrophorum, a Gram-negative anaerobe, typically resides in the oral and gastrointestinal tracts.
  • F. necrophorum is an exceptionally uncommon etiology for liver abscesses, especially in individuals without identifiable risk factors.