Fusobacterium Necrophorum Septicemia Secondary to an Ovarian Abscess: A Case Report

Fusobacterium necrophorum is part of the normal oropharyngeal flora and can result in a life-threatening systemic infection known as Lemierre's syndrome. A rare presentation of F. necrophorum infection is seen in the female genital tract and is typically due to obstetric infections. Here we present a unique case of F. necrophorum without traditional features of Lemierre's syndrome with the female genital tract as a primary site. A 50-year-old female presents with a two-month history of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss. She ultimately developed bilateral lower extremity necrotizing fasciitis, colonic perforation, and a left chest wall abscess. Blood and wound cultures were found to be positive for Fusobacterium necrophorum. Imaging revealed a left ovarian mass along with a left upper lobe nodule. She had no history of oropharyngeal infections or symptoms. Imaging was also negative for deep neck space abscesses or thrombophlebitis. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone and metronidazole and clinically improved. In conclusion, F. necrophorum is a potentially life threatening infection and should be considered when dealing with ovarian abscesses or masses.