Lemierre syndrome and nosocomial transmission of Fusobacterium necrophorum from patient to physician

Klin Padiatr. 2010 Dec;222(7):464-6. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1263144. Epub 2010 Sep 22.

Abstract

Background: Human-to-human transmission of Fusobacterium necrophorum has not been described before.

Case presentation: We present the case of a 15-year-old girl with Lemierre Syndrome and possible nosocomial transmission of F. necrophorum to her treating physician in hospital.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of anaerobic pharyngitis is critical to prevent Lemierre Syndrome. Respiratory precautions should be recommended to medical staff caring for patients with suspected Lemierre Syndrome to prevent nosocomial transmission.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cross Infection / diagnosis
  • Cross Infection / drug therapy
  • Cross Infection / transmission*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Female
  • Fusobacterium Infections / diagnosis
  • Fusobacterium Infections / drug therapy
  • Fusobacterium Infections / transmission*
  • Fusobacterium necrophorum*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional*
  • Internship and Residency*
  • Jugular Veins / pathology
  • Lemierre Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Lemierre Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Lemierre Syndrome / transmission*
  • Pediatrics / education*
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism / drug therapy
  • Shock, Septic / diagnosis
  • Shock, Septic / drug therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tonsillitis / diagnosis*
  • Tonsillitis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination