A Review of Fusobacterium necrophorum Infections in Humans

The incidence of human infections caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum is recently on the increase and this is attributed largely to alteration in antibiotic usage pattern, malnutrition and poor oral hygiene. These infections are usually acquired exogenously from animals such as dogs, livestock or humans and ranges from mild sore throat to severe infections like Lemierre’s syndrome and Cancrum oris (NOMA). Fusobacterium necrophorum species produce characteristic toxins and virulent factors which are responsible for the severity of infections. Confirming the presence of these species is recommended during suspected infections. It would help in providing information on the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern so as to guide treatment and control of these severe infections as well as for epidemiological purposes. This review summarizes human infections associated with F. necrophorum providing information on their epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenicity, diagnosis and treatment