Relationship Between Fusobacterium Species and Other Flora in Mixed Infection

摘要

Fusobacterium species are involved in various human infections where they are often isolated in mixed cultures with other anaerobic, facultative and aerobic bacteria (Brook, 1983). They are frequently involved in respiratory tract infections such as chronic sinusitis and otitis, peri-tonsillar abscesses, aspiration pneumonia and lung abscesses, and can also induce bacteraemia and intracranial infections. A few studies have investigated the synergistic potentials and importance of Fusobacterium spp. relative to other organisms in mixed infections (Altemeier, 1942; Conlon et al., 1977; Hill et al., 1974; Hite et al., 1949). In this study we produced subcutaneous (SC) abscesses in mice to evaluate the synergistic potentials between Fusobacterium species and other organisms with which they are commonly found in mixed infections. We determined the relative importance of organisms by selective inhibition with antibiotics an by quantitative cultures of abscess contents. Reprints. (KT)