AUTHOR=Jin Lei , Chen Changkang , Zhao Hong , Chen Lei , Wang Xian , Wang Qin , Yuan Ji , Li Jinjin , Xu Shen , Zhang Runzhen , Chu Wenwen , Ye Naifang , Zou Guizhou , Ye Jun 

TITLE=Fusobacterium nucleatum infection leading to rare hepatorenal abscess: a case report

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1540430

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2025.1540430

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=Fusobacterium nucleatum 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.