Pathogens
Fusobacterium species

Fusobacterium species

Susceptibilities

General Information

  • Ampicillin/Sulbactam

  • Metronidazole (+/- ceftriaxone)

  • Penicillin (if susceptible)

  • Piperacillin/tazobactam

  • Amoxicillin/Clavulanate

Anaerobic, gram-negative bacilli

Normal oral/gastrointestinal flora

  • Pharyngitis

  • Oral/dental infections

  • Empyema

  • Intra-abdominal abscess

  • Bacteremia

  • Head and neck infection including Lemierre's syndrome (septic jugular thrombophlebitis) associated with F. necrophorum

  • Multiple species but usually two account for most human disease: F. nucleatum and F. necrophorum

  • Bacteremia with F. necrophorum should prompt thorough investigation for septic thrombophlebitis (Lemierre's syndrome)