Fusobacterium nucleatum increases collagenase 3 production and migration of epithelial cells.

Fusobacterium nucleatum is closely associated with human periodontal diseases and may also be a causative agent in other infections, such as pericarditis, septic arthritis, and abscesses of tonsils and liver. Initiation and outcome of infective diseases depend critically on the host cell signaling system altered by the microbe. Production of proteinases by infected cells is an important factor in pericellular tissue destruction and cell migration.

Nosocomial bloodstream infections due to viridans streptococci in haematological and non-haematological patients: species distribution and antimicrobial resistance.

Objectives: We studied the species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of viridans streptococci (VS) isolates causing nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSIs) in Finnish hospitals.

Patients And Methods: Patients with nosocomial BSIs due to VS were identified through a hospital-wide prospective laboratory-based surveillance in two university and two regional hospitals during September 1998-August 2001. Isolates of VS were sent to the reference laboratory for species confirmation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.