Recovery of anaerobic bacteria from a glossal abscess in an adolescent

A lingual abscess caused by Streptococcus intermedius

Lingual abscesses are rare. We describe a case in a healthy female with no recent history of trauma. The organism recovered by culture of drainage material collected prior to antibiotic treatment was Streptococcus intermedius, an organism recognized as flora of the oropharynx and associated with abscess formation. The isolate was resistant to clindamycin, which was the antibiotic therapy that the patient received.

Assessment of the microbiota of a mixed infection of the tongue using phenotypic and genotypic methods simultaneously and a review of the literature

We assessed the microbiota of a tongue abscess in which twelve different aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were identified using fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH), sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and phenotypic methods. By applying the 16S rRNA based probes directly on the clinical material, a quick insight of the bacteria present was obtained and the species which were not cultured but present in the abscess were identified.

Acute abscess of the base of the tongue: a rare but important emergency

BACKGROUND

Acute posterior lingual abscess is rare, but may potentially compromise the airway acutely.

OBJECTIVE

Lingual abscesses call for prompt and aggressive management because they are potentially life-threatening infections. Anterior lingual abscess (the most common) and posterior third lingual abscess must be differentiated.

CASE REPORT

A young man who experienced the beginnings of dyspnea and total aphagia presented to the Emergency Department. A posterior lingual abscess was identified on computed tomography scan.

DISCUSSION

Multi-antimicrobial therapy is the cornerstone of treatment. Surgical drainage is also of critical importance for preventing deeper spread of the infection.

CONCLUSION

We present this case to increase awareness among emergency physicians and head and neck surgeons of the clinical findings of acute abscess of the base of the tongue, which can be difficult to diagnose clinically. Imaging of the oral cavity and pharynx is the key to the diagnosis, and the key to choosing the best surgical strategy.