Fusobacterium nucleatum
Fusobacterium nucleatum
Fusobacterium nucleatum (pronounced: fyoo-soh-bak-TEER-ee-uhm noo-klee-AH-tuhm) is a species of anaerobic bacterium that is commonly found in the human oral microbiome. It is associated with various forms of periodontal disease and is increasingly recognized for its role in various systemic diseases and conditions.
Etymology
The genus name Fusobacterium is derived from the Latin fusus, meaning "spindle", and bacterium, meaning "bacterium". This refers to the spindle-like shape of the bacteria. The species name nucleatum is derived from the Latin nucleatus, meaning "having a nucleus", which refers to the bacterium's granulated protoplasm that resembles a nucleus.
Characteristics
Fusobacterium nucleatum is a Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, obligate anaerobe. It is rod-shaped and can be found in the human mouth, where it plays a role in the development of dental plaque and periodontal disease. It is also found in the gut and can be associated with colorectal cancer.
Pathogenicity
Fusobacterium nucleatum is an opportunistic pathogen. It has been implicated in a variety of systemic diseases, including preterm birth, adverse pregnancy outcomes, cardiovascular disease, and colorectal cancer. It is also involved in the formation of dental plaque and the development of periodontal disease.
Treatment
Treatment for infections caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum typically involves antibiotics. The bacterium is generally susceptible to metronidazole, clindamycin, and beta-lactam antibiotics.
Related Terms
- Anaerobic bacteria
- Gram-negative bacteria
- Periodontal disease
- Colorectal cancer
- Preterm birth
- Cardiovascular disease
- Antibiotics
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fusobacterium nucleatum
- Wikipedia's article - Fusobacterium nucleatum
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski