Fusobacterium
Genus of bacteria / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Fusobacterium is a genus of obligate anaerobic, Gram-negative,[2] non-sporeforming bacteria[3] belonging to Gracilicutes. Individual cells are slender, rod-shaped bacilli with pointed ends.[4][5] Fusobacterium was discovered in 1900 by Courmont and Cade and is common in the flora of humans.[6][7]
Fusobacterium | |
---|---|
Fusobacterium novum in liquid culture | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Bacteria |
Phylum: | Fusobacteriota |
Class: | Fusobacteriia |
Order: | Fusobacteriales |
Family: | Fusobacteriaceae |
Genus: | Fusobacterium Knorr 1923 |
Type species | |
Fusobacterium nucleatum[1] Knorr 1923 | |
Species | |
See text | |
Synonyms | |
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Strains of Fusobacterium can cause several human diseases and infections, including periodontal diseases, Lemierre's syndrome,[8] oral, head, and neck infections, as well as colorectal cancer and topical skin ulcers.[9]
It has been tied[clarification needed] to HIV infection and suboptimal immune recovery.[10] Detection of Fusobacterium is typically through surgical retrieval of tissue, fecal tests, or blood tests in patients showing symptoms.[2] Early detection is preferred and helps to prevent further disease progression.[6]
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.[11] There are thirteen described Fusobacterium strains; the predominant one affecting humans is F. nucleatum,[12] followed by F. necrophorum, which also affects animals, mainly cattle.[13]