Pathogens
Fusobacterium spp.

Fusobacterium spp.

Precautions

Standard Precautions

General Information

Culture (anaerobic).

Anaerobic, non-sporeforming, gram-negative rods.

  • Opportunistic pathogens that often produce infection in association with facultative anaerobes
  • Commensals on mucosal surfaces
  • Common gastrointestinal tract inhabitant
  • Clinical infections are rarely identified
  • Can often be isolated as a commensal or contaminant
  • May have role in gastrointestinal disease and dysbiosis

Metronidazole is the drug of choice. Amoxicillin-clavulanate may also be an option.

Resistance to non-potentiated penicillins and cephalosporins. Clindamycin susceptibility is variable.