Lemierre's syndrome. Sepsis complicating an anaerobic oropharyngeal infection

Neth J Med. 2001 Oct;59(4):181-3. doi: 10.1016/s0300-2977(01)00156-5.

Abstract

Previously healthy people without interfering conditions are rarely affected by anaerobic infections. We report a young patient with extended septic emboli in the lungs, after an episode of sore throat, due to anaerobic bacteremia with Fusobacterium necrophorum. The first description of oropharyngeal infection complicated by sepsis was given by Lemierre in 1936. Knowledge of Lemierre's syndrome should lead to early recognition and prompt action against this sporadic and possible fatal illness.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cough / microbiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fever / microbiology
  • Fusobacterium Infections / complications*
  • Fusobacterium Infections / diagnosis
  • Fusobacterium Infections / drug therapy
  • Fusobacterium Infections / microbiology*
  • Fusobacterium necrophorum*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oropharynx
  • Pain / microbiology
  • Pharyngitis / complications*
  • Pharyngitis / diagnosis
  • Pharyngitis / drug therapy
  • Pharyngitis / microbiology*
  • Sepsis / microbiology*
  • Syndrome
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents