Rectal Cancer Presenting with Absceding Infection Due to <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i>

Abstract

Intestinal microbiota such as Fusobacterium nucleatum play an important role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. Here, we describe the case of a 47-year-old patient presenting with endophthalmitis and a liver abscess due to Fusobacterium nucleatum that prompted the diagnosis of colorectal cancer as the most likely source of infection. This case highlights that colorectal cancer needs to be considered in patients with systemic infection with Fusobacterium nucleatum and colonoscopy should be performed.

Keywords

• rectal cancer
• <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i>
• liver abscess
• endophthalmitis