Activation of the contact system at the surface of Fusobacterium necrophorum: a possible virulence mechanism in Lemierre's syndrome.
Fusobacterium necrophorum causes Lemièrre's syndrome, a serious disease with septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, pulmonary involvement and systemic inflammation. The contact system is a link between inflammation and coagulation and contact activation by the bacteria could therefore contribute to the abnormal coagulation and inflammation seen in patients with Lemièrre's syndrome.