Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Pseudomembranous necrotising pharyngitis in a child with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia

A C L Yuen1, D K Ng, P Y Chow

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong.

Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|August 20, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause severe infections in healthy individuals. A rare case involved a 6-month-old with pseudomembranous necrotizing pharyngitis, requiring endoscopic intervention to clear debris.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen.
  • While common in immunocompromised individuals, it can affect healthy hosts.
  • Nasopharyngeal obstruction is a rare but serious complication.

Observation:

  • A 6-month-old boy presented with severe symptoms.
  • Significant nasopharyngeal obstruction was noted due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa debris.
  • This condition was termed pseudomembranous necrotizing pharyngitis.

Findings:

  • Pseudomonal bacteremia was diagnosed in the infant.
  • The nasopharyngeal obstruction posed risks of aspiration and suffocation.
  • Endoscopic removal of the debris was crucial.

Implications:

  • Early recognition of pseudomembranous necrotizing pharyngitis is vital.
  • Prompt endoscopic intervention can prevent life-threatening complications.
  • This case highlights the diverse clinical presentations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

More Related Videos

Visualization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa within the Sputum of Cystic Fibrosis Patients07:25

Visualization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa within the Sputum of Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Published on: July 16, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...