Peritonsillar abscess caused by Nocardia asteroides.
A 22-year-old man with recurrent pharyngitis developed a peritonsillar abscess from which aspirated material yielded a pure culture of Nocardia asteroides. It is likely that the organism was introduced iatrogenically during a prior tonsillar incision. Although unusual, Nocardia species should be considered and microbiological specimens should be handled appropriately in pharyngeal abscesses that respond poorly to conventional therapy.
Adair
J C
JC
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132.
Amber
I J
IJ
Johnston
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009617:Nocardia Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D009616:Nocardia asteroides / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000039:Peritonsillar Abscess / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology; D012008:Recurrence