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An unusual case of recurrent tonsillitis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa
V Danielides1, G Patrikakos, H J Milionis
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Ioannina Medical School, Ioannina, Greece.
Abstract:
An unusual case of recurrent tonsillitis due to pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa in the head and neck region of an immunocompetent patient is mainly seen in ear infections, and sometimes in sinusitis. P. aeruginosa is an occasional finding in tonsil smears as part of normal microbial flora, but it rarely produces suppurative tonsil infection. We report a case of a previously healthy young female with recurrent episodes of tonsillitis due to P. aeruginosa infection. Although the patient received complete regimens of antibiotics (orally and intravenously) repeatedly, definitive eradication was only achieved after tonsillectomy.
Insights
Recurrent tonsillitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is rare in healthy individuals. Surgical removal (tonsillectomy) was necessary for complete eradication after antibiotic treatments failed.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) typically causes ear and sinus infections in immunocompetent patients.
- While P. aeruginosa can be found in normal throat flora, it rarely leads to severe tonsil infections.
Observation:
- A previously healthy young female experienced recurrent tonsillitis episodes.
- Cultures confirmed the tonsillitis was caused by P. aeruginosa.
Findings:
- Standard antibiotic regimens, both oral and intravenous, were ineffective in eradicating the P. aeruginosa infection.
- Definitive resolution of the recurrent tonsillitis was achieved only after surgical tonsillectomy.
Implications:
- This case highlights P. aeruginosa as a potential, albeit uncommon, pathogen in severe tonsillitis.
- Tonsillectomy should be considered for refractory cases of P. aeruginosa tonsillitis unresponsive to antibiotics.