title: Fusobacterium nucleatum: a rare cause of pyogenic liver abscess.
abstract: While pyogenic liver abscesses are uncommon, they are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Most pyogenic liver abscesses are polymicrobial and are caused by enteric bacteria and anaerobes. Rarely, mono-microbial infections may occur, typically in immunocompromised individuals. We report the unusual case of a 69 year-old immunocompetent female who developed a pyogenic liver abscess due to Fusobacterium nucleatum infection, likely from a dental source. Poor oropharyngeal hygiene seems to have a major role in infection from this organism and therefore F. nucleatum should be considered as a differential for causes of pyogenic liver abscess in such patients. Drainage of the abscess and antibiotic therapy are the mainstays of therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA.
authors.forename: Sajan Jiv Singh
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-3724-2081
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Nagpal
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA.
authors.forename: Dhruvika
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mukhija
authors.affiliation: Department of Hospital Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA.
authors.forename: Preethi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Patel
keywords: Fusobacterium; Immunocompromised state; Poor dental hygiene; Pyogenic liver abscess