Fusobacterium necrophorum intratonsillar abscess as a source of bacteremia in a patient with a history of substance abuse

J Infect Dev Ctries. 2024 Jan 31;18(1):158-161. doi: 10.3855/jidc.18268.

Abstract

A 22-year-old male, with a history of recreational drug use, was admitted with a 24-hour history of sore throat, bilateral otalgia, fever, chills, sweats, and pain in the upper chest. The blood cultures were positive for Fusobacterium necrophorum. A thoracic and neck soft tissue computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an intratonsillar abscess and pulmonary septic emboli. Initial treatment with Piperacillin-tazobactam and Clindamycin was de-escalated after 5 days. The patient made a complete recovery after 22 days of antibiotic treatment.

Keywords: Fusobacterium necrophorum; abscess; bacteremia; septic pulmonary emboli; substance abuse.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess
  • Adult
  • Bacteremia* / complications
  • Bacteremia* / diagnosis
  • Bacteremia* / drug therapy
  • Fusobacterium Infections* / complications
  • Fusobacterium Infections* / diagnosis
  • Fusobacterium Infections* / drug therapy
  • Fusobacterium necrophorum
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Substance-Related Disorders*
  • Young Adult