Fusobacterium nucleatum, a new invasive pathogen in neutropenic patients?

Scand J Infect Dis. 1995;27(1):83-4. doi: 10.3109/00365549509018981.

Abstract

Three chemotherapy-induced neutropenic hematologic patients with severe systemic infection caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum, a Gram-negative anaerobic rod, are described. Anaerobic infections are not very common in this patient category, but in a short period of time, several such patients were seen. The infection was considered to be caused by a combination of chemotherapy-induced mucositis, which served as a portal of entry for the systemic infection, and the antibiotic regime used in these patients. This is a serious infection with a high mortality. In hematological neutropenic patients suffering from severe mucositis and fever, antibiotic therapy should cover anaerobic bacteria.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Fusobacterium Infections / complications*
  • Fusobacterium Infections / drug therapy
  • Fusobacterium Infections / microbiology
  • Fusobacterium nucleatum* / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucous Membrane
  • Neutropenia / chemically induced
  • Neutropenia / complications*
  • Opportunistic Infections / complications*
  • Pharyngitis / chemically induced
  • Pharyngitis / complications
  • Pharynx / pathology