Septic shock with liver abscess in an immunocompetent patient -: Presentation of an unusual Fusbacterium nucleatum infection

Backround Fusobacterium septicemia with septic metastasis is a very rare and potentially serous condition when complicated by septic shock. Most cases have been described in patients with humoral immunity disorders and/or severe underlying chronic disease. Case report A 24-year-old immunocompetent woman with a tonsil infection developed F. nucleatum septic shock with liver abscess formation. outcome was rapidly favorable with antibiotic treatment and adapted intensive care, probably favored by the absence of an associated immune deficit. Discussion Despite its low incidence, F nucleatum should be entertained as a possible cause of septicemia originating from a pelviperitoneal, pulmonary with abscess formation, or upper airway infection. Proper diagnosis is essential due to the risk of poor prognosis. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a commensal strictly anaerobic bacteria of the buccal cavity. it can cause dental and upper airway infections. Septicemia with secondary localization of F nucleatum is very rare and the severity depends on the presence of associate septic shock. The immunopathological implications of these infections remain to be elucidated. (C) 2001, Masson, Paris.