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
Telefon: +41/61/685 6528
Fax: +41/61/685 6012
eMail: ulrich.heininger@ukbb.ch