Pyogenic liver abscess related to dental disease in an immunocompetent host

Abstract

A 59-year-old man with poor oral hygiene presented to our hospital because of fever and chills. Abdominal ultrasonography and enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a liver abscess. The patient had no history of immunodeficiency and we confirmed the patient had no immunologic abnormalities. Blood culture revealed Fusobacterium nucleatum, a bacterium commonly found in the oral cavity. Even if a patient is immunocompetent, poor oral hygiene might be an independent risk factor for a pyogenic liver abscess. Professional mechanical tooth cleaning (PMTC) and appropriate self-care are recommended as a prophylaxis against not only dental, but also systemic diseases. © 2008 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.