Fusobacterium necrophorum Septicemia

Abstract

To the Editor.— We wish to add to the list of serious complications associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum septicemia as reported by Seidenfeld, Sutker, and Luby (1982; 248:11:1348). Report of a Case.— A 16-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital was suspected meningitis. Five weeks earlier, she had been seen when results from a slide test for infectious mononucleosis heterophil antibodies were positive. One week before admission, she experienced an upper respiratory tract infection. Two days before admission, she noted thick nasal discharge and a severe, unrelenting headache. At the time of admission, she had moderate nuchal rigidity and a WBC count of 23,600/cu mm. Admission spinal tap and CSF examination findings were unremarkable. Because of increasing nuchal rigidity, a syncopal spell, and a new left-sided Horner's syndrome, the spinal tap was repeated two days later, revealing an elevated CSF WBC count of 830/cu mm, 73% polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and 27% monocytes.