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Master of Public Health

Fusobacterium nucleatum Osteomyelitis in 3 Previously Healthy Children: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

AUTHORS

Gregory SW , Boyce TG , Larson AN , Patel R , Jackson MA , . Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. 2015 8 25; ().

ABSTRACT

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a rare cause of monomicrobial osteomyelitis in children. We describe the cases of 3 children with F. nucleatum osteomyelitis of the distal femoral epiphysis with concurrent septic arthritis and review 6 other cases reported in the literature. Our report emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for anaerobic osteomyelitis, given its atypical presentation and the unique growth requirements of anaerobic bacteria.

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a rare cause of monomicrobial osteomyelitis in children. We describe the cases of 3 children with F. nucleatum osteomyelitis of the distal femoral epiphysis with concurrent septic arthritis and review 6 other cases reported in the literature. Our report emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for anaerobic osteomyelitis, given its atypical presentation and the unique growth requirements of anaerobic bacteria.

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