Fusobacterium necrophorum: from tonsillitis to Lemierre's syndrome
Kristensen, L.H.; Jensen, A.; Prag, J.ør.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 171(12): 987-990
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1603-6824 PMID: 19284917 Document Number: 632822
Fusobacterium necrophorum plays a role in non-GAS-tonsillitis in adolescents and probably also in small children with recurrent otitis media. Anaerobic culture on selective anaerobic media is recommended to detect F. necrophorum and treat such patients. Denmark sees at least 20 annual cases of Lemierre's syndrome with a mortality reaching 9%. Early suspicion of Lemierre's syndrome in adolescents with non-GAS-tonsillitis, who develop septicaemia, pulmonary symptoms and unilateral swelling on the neck, is mandatory to lower morbidity and mortality.