Fusobacterium nucleatum infection leading to rare hepatorenal abscess: a case report
<i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i> is a gram-negative anaerobic bacterium commonly associated with periodontal disease. However, its role in extraoral infections, particularly in immunocompetent individuals, is increasingly recognized. We report a rare case of hepatorenal abscess caused by F. nucleatum in a previously healthy woman, initially suspected to have a malignant tumor based on PET-CT findings. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of abscess aspirate confirmed the pathogen. The patient responded well to targeted antibiotic therapy. This case highlights the importance of considering anaerobic pathogens in deep-seated abscesses and the utility of NGS in achieving accurate microbial diagnosis.
Authors
- Runzhen Zhang
- Naifang Ye
- Qin Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7447-1671)
- Xu Shen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4760-7726)
- Wenwen Chu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0110-806X)
- Guizhou Zou
- Hong Zhao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8069-9901)
- C. Chen
- Lei Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1359-2004)
- Xian Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8216-9015)
- Jinjin Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9835-168X)
- Lei Jin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0752-7628)
- Yuan Ji
- Jun Ye (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2732-9071)
Institutions
- Anhui Medical University (CN)
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Medicine
- Published
- 2025-08-28
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1540430
- Primary Topic
- Otolaryngology and Infectious Diseases
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Anhui Medical University