Acute streptococcal infection of the gingiva, lower lip, and pharynx--a case report.
BACKGROUND
Streptococcal gingivostomatitis is a rare phenomenon in a non-compromised host and not commonly reported in the dental literature. Early diagnosis and distinction from viral infections, especially HSV infection, are of the utmost importance. The early use of penicillin is essential in preventing a cascade of events, resulting in severe fasciitis, destruction of tissues, and subsequent rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.


METHODS
A unique case of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection affecting the pharynx, lower lip, and gingiva of a healthy 19-year-old male is presented.


RESULTS
The streptococcal infection was responsive to penicillin treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
In view of the increased use of antibiotics and the development of aggressive strains, the dental clinician has to consider streptococcal infection in the differential diagnosis of gingival and soft tissue infections.
Katz
Joseph
J
Division of Oral Medicine, Department of Oral Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL 32610-0416, USA. jkatz@dental.ufl.edu
Guelmann
Marcio
M
Rudolph
Matthew
M
Ruskin
James
J
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008047:Lip Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D010404:Penicillin V / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
D010406:Penicillins; D010404:Penicillin V