Fusobacterium necrophorum

STRUCTURE AND PHYSIOLOGY:

Fusobacterium necrophorum is a rod-shaped, gram-negative bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other animals.

TRANSMISSION AND DISEASE

Fusobacterium necrophorum is transmitted via mucous membrane contact and contact with infected body fluids. Fusobacterium necrophorum can cause sore throat, peritonsillar abscesses, meningitis, thrombosis, and infection of the urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts.

DISINFECTION

Fusobacterium necrophorum can usually be treated with penicillin and metronidazole. Penicillin inhibits the synthesis of peptidoglycans, a component of the cell wall, while metronidazole inhibits the synthesis of nucleic acids.

REFERENCE(S)

Riordan, T. (2007). Human infection with fusobacterium necrophorum (necrobacillosis), with a focus on Lemierre’s syndrome. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 20(4), 622–659.