A species of gram-negative, rod-shaped BACTERIA. It occurs among the normal ?ora of the human mouth, COLON and reproductive tract. Occasionally, fusobacterium is isolated from abscesses occurring in the lungs, abdomen and pelvis. One variety occurs in patients with VINCENT’S ANGINA (trench mouth).
n. a genus of Gram-negative rodlike bacteria with tapering ends. Most species are normal inhabitants of the mouth of animals and humans and produce no harmful effects, but anaerobic Fusobacterium species are associated with *ulcerative gingivitis.
acute painful gingivitis with ulceration, in which the tissues of the gums are rapidly destroyed. Occurring mainly in debilitated patients, it is associated with anaerobic microorganisms (see Fusobacterium; Bacteroides) and is accompanied by an unpleasant odour. Treatment is with *metronidazole and a careful and thorough regime of oral hygiene supplemented with oxidizing mouthwashes. In the past ulcerative gingivitis has been called acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), Vincent stomatitis, or Vincent’s angina. A rare complication of severe ulcerative gingivitis is a *noma.... ulcerative gingivitis
Health Encyclopedia