A species of gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria occurring among the normal flora 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).
A genus of gram-negative, non-spore forming bacilli that is part of the resident flora of the intestines and oral cavity. They are strict anaerobes and may infect necrotic tissue. F. nucleatum has been cultured from lesions of gangrenous stomatitis.