Deep neck infection complicating lymphadenitis caused by Streptococcus intermedius in an immunocompetent child.
BACKGROUND
Streptococcus intermedius belongs to the Streptococcus anginosus group. It is part of the normal flora of the human mouth, but it can be etiologically associated with deep-site infections.


METHODS
We present a case of deep neck infection complicating Streptococcus intermedius lymphadenitis, which developed in an immunocompetent 14-year-old boy with a history of recent dental work. The infection was ultimately eradicated by a combined medical and surgical approach.


CONCLUSIONS
Our report suggests that combined medical and surgical therapy is essential for the complete resolution of deep infections caused by Streptococcus intermedius. Molecular biological techniques can be useful in guiding the diagnostic investigation and providing insight into the possibility of occult abscesses, which are particularly common with Streptococcus intermedius infections.
Department of Pediatric Sciences, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy. drigante@libero.it
Donato
D
Rigante
Teresa
T
Spanu
Lorenzo
L
Nanni
Assunta
A
Tornesello
Maurizio
M
Sanguinetti
Tiziana
T
D'Inzeo
Achille
A
Stabile
Giovanni
G
Fadda
D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002444:Cefuroxime / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008199:Lymphadenitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology*; D008297:Male; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery; D034367:Streptococcus intermedius / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002444:Cefuroxime; C040738:cefuroxime axetil