# Determination of Fusobacterium nucleatum levels in patients with periodontal disease and oral squamous cell carcinoma

**Authors:** Karthik Shunmugavelu, Bala Geetha Shakthi Chakravarthy, Shanmuga Priya

PMC · DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000589 · GMS Hygiene and Infection Control · 2025-09-30

## TL;DR

This paper reviews evidence that Fusobacterium nucleatum is more common in periodontal disease and oral cancer, suggesting a possible role in causing these conditions.

## Contribution

The paper systematically evaluates F. nucleatum levels in periodontal disease and oral cancer, highlighting its potential pathogenic role.

## Key findings

- Fusobacterium nucleatum is more prevalent in periodontal disease tissues compared to healthy controls.
- Fusobacterium nucleatum is more prevalent in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues compared to healthy controls.

## Abstract

Fusobacterium (F.) nucleatum, a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium, has been implicated in both periodontal disease and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This review aims to evaluate the levels of F. nucleatum in patients with periodontal disease and OSCC, exploring its potential role in the pathogenesis.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, identifying studies that measured F. nucleatum levels in periodontal disease and OSCC tissues.

A higher prevalence of F. nucleatum exists in both periodontal disease and OSCC tissues compared to healthy controls.

It appears that there is a link between infection with F. nucleatum and the development of these oral diseases. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association and to explore potential therapeutic interventions targeting F. nucleatum.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** periodontal disease (MONDO:0002635), oral squamous cell carcinoma (MONDO:0004958)
- **Species:** Fusobacterium nucleatum (taxon 851)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** OSCC (MESH:D000077195), periodontal disease (MESH:D010510), infection with (MESH:D007239), oral diseases (MESH:D009059)
- **Species:** Fusobacterium nucleatum (species) [taxon 851], Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12587290/full.md

## References

6 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12587290/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12587290