Fusobacterium necrophorum septicemia following oropharyngeal infection

Abstract

Fusobacterium necrophorum septicemia developed in five patients after an oropharyngeal infection. Four patients had sore throat or neck pain, and two had findings of jugular vein septic thrombophlebitis. Metastatic abscesses, including embolic pneumonia, empyema, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis, also occurred. Four patients recovered and one died. Proper treatment requires recognition of the oropharyngeal source of the septicemia and its differentiation from endocarditis. Antibiotic therapy should be prolonged, and metastatic abscesses drained.