Fusobacterium

Fusobacterium is a genus of obligate anaerobic, Gram-negative, non-sporeforming bacteria belonging to Gracilicutes. Individual cells are slender, rod-shaped bacilli with pointed ends. Fusobacterium was discovered in 1900 by Courmont and Cade and is common in the flora of humans. Strains of Fusobacterium can cause several human diseases and infections, including periodontal diseases, Lemierre's syndrome, oral, head, and neck infections, as well as colorectal cancer and topical skin ulcers. It has been tied to HIV infection and suboptimal immune recovery. Detection of Fusobacterium is typically through surgical retrieval of tissue, fecal tests, or blood tests in patients showing symptoms. Early detection is preferred and helps to prevent further disease progression. Although older sources state that Fusobacterium is part of the normal flora of the human oropharynx, the current consensus is that Fusobacterium should always be treated as a pathogen. There are thirteen described Fusobacterium strains; the predominant one affecting humans is F. nucleatum, followed by F. necrophorum, which also affects animals, mainly cattle.