Should the risk of Fusobacterium necrophorum pharyngotonsillitis influence prescribing empiric antibiotics for sore throats in adolescents and young adults?

Abstract

Fusobacterium necrophorum, a gram-negative anaerobe, causes pharyngotonsillitis primarily in adolescents and young adults (approximately 15-30 years old). The same age group has the highest incidence of peritonsillar abscess and the Lemierre syndrome. The same organism, F. necrophorum, is the most common cause of peritonsillar abscess in this age group and causes at least 80% of Lemierre syndrome cases. We outline the case for empiric antibiotic treatment of some patient in this age group who have a significant probability that F. necrophorum is the cause of their pharyngotonsillitis.

Keywords: ANAEROBIC INFECTIONS; Fusobacterium; Lemierre syndrome; Peritonsillar abscess; Pharyngotonsillitis; Sore throat.