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Klin Padiatr 2010; 222(7): 464-466
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1263144
Case Report

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Lemierre Syndrome and Nosocomial Transmission of Fusobacterium Necrophorum From Patient to Physician

Lemierre-Syndrom und nosokomiale Übertragung von Fusobacterium necrophorum von Patient auf ÄrztinJ. Bonhoeffer1 , D. Trachsel2 , J. Hammer2 , E. Nava2 , U. Heininger1
  • 1Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, University Children's Hospital Basel, Switzerland
  • 2Paediatric Intensive Care, University Children's Hospital Basel, Switzerland
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
22 September 2010 (online)

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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.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund: Die nosokomiale Übertragung von Fusobacterium necrophorum ist bislang in der Literatur nicht beschrieben.

Fallbeschreibung: Wir berichten über eine 15-jährige Patientin mit Lemierre-Syndrom und möglicher nosokomialer Übertragung von Fusobacterium necrophorum auf ihre behandelnde Ärztin in der Kinderklinik.

Schlussfolgerung: Die frühzeitige Diagnosestellung und adäquate Behandlung der Pharyngitis durch Anaerobier ist wichtig in der Prävention des Lemierre-Syndroms. Ferner sind geeignete Schutzmaßnahmen zu ergreifen, um die nosokomiale Übertragung der Erreger von Patienten auf Gesundheitspersonal zu verhindern.

Key words

Lemierre - fusobacterium necrophorum - nosocomial transmission - physician

Schlüsselwörter

Lemierre - Fusobacterium necrophorum - nosokomiale Übertragung - Arzt

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Correspondence

Ulrich HeiningerMD 

University Children's Hospital

Basel

Paediatric Infectious Diseases

and Vaccines

PO Box 4005 Basel

Switzerland

Phone: +41/61/685 6528

Fax: +41/61/685 6012

Email: ulrich.heininger@ukbb.ch