Acute Streptococcal Infection of the Gingiva, Lower Lip, and Pharynx—A Case Report

• Published in: Journal of periodontology (1970) 2002-11, Vol.73 (11), p.1392-1395
• Main Authors: Katz, Joseph, Guelmann, Marcio, Rudolph, Matthew, Ruskin, James
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acute Disease; Adult; Dentistry; Diagnosis, Differential; Gingivitis - diagnosis; Gingivitis - drug therapy; Gingivitis - microbiology; Gingivostomatitis, streptococcal; Humans; infections, streptococcal; infections, viral; Lip Diseases - diagnosis; Lip Diseases - drug therapy; Lip Diseases - microbiology; Male; Oral Ulcer - diagnosis; Oral Ulcer - drug therapy; Oral Ulcer - microbiology; Penicillin V - therapeutic use; Penicillins - therapeutic use; Pharyngitis - diagnosis; Pharyngitis - drug therapy; Pharyngitis - microbiology; Streptococcal Infections - diagnosis; Streptococcal Infections - drug therapy
• ISSN: 0022-3492; 1943-3670
• DOI: 10.1902/jop.2002.73.11.1392

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.