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Acute Streptococcal Infection of the Gingiva, Lower Lip, and Pharynx—A Case Report
Author(s) -
Katz Joseph,
Guelmann Marcio,
Rudolph Matthew,
Ruskin James
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.2002.73.11.1392
Subject(s) - medicine , pharynx , penicillin , antibiotics , streptococcal infections , oral cavity , dermatology , dentistry , immunology , surgery , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Background: Streptococcal gingivostomatitis is a rare phenomenon in a non‐compromised host and not commonly reported in the dental literature. Early diagnosis and distinction from viral infections, especially HSV infection, are of the utmost importance. The early use of penicillin is essential in preventing a cascade of events, resulting in severe fascitis, destruction of tissues, and subsequent rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.Methods: A unique case of group A beta‐hemolytic streptococcal infection affecting the pharynx, lower lip, and gingiva of a healthy 19‐year‐old male is presented.Results: The streptococcal infection was responsive to penicillin treatment.Conclusions: In view of the increased use of antibiotics and the development of aggressive strains, the dental clinician has to consider streptococcal infection in the differential diagnosis of gingival and soft tissue infections. J Periodontol 2002;73:1392‐1395.