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Pediatric infectious disease: unusual head and neck infections

Kathryn S Moffett1

  • 1Pediatric Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University, HSC-9214, Morgantown, WV 26506-9214, USA. kmoffett@hsc.wvu.edu

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America
|June 29, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This review covers common and rare pediatric head and neck infections, including PFAPA syndrome and Lemierre syndrome. It also discusses new pediatric vaccines for preventing oropharyngeal cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Head and neck infections are prevalent in pediatric populations, contributing to significant antibiotic use.
  • Diverse infectious etiologies, from common to rare, affect infants, children, and adolescents.
  • Emerging vaccines offer potential for preventing oropharyngeal cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review common and unusual infectious diseases of the head and neck in children.
  • To highlight specific conditions like PFAPA syndrome, Lemierre Syndrome, and various adenitis types.
  • To discuss novel pediatric vaccines targeting oropharyngeal cancer prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of pediatric head and neck infections.
  • Inclusion of common, diverse, and rare infectious disease case studies.
  • Analysis of current and emerging pediatric vaccination strategies.

Main Results:

  • Identification of key infectious agents and syndromes affecting the pediatric head and neck.
  • Detailed description of PFAPA syndrome, Lemierre Syndrome, Arcanobacterium infections, and adenitis.
  • Overview of the first available pediatric vaccines for oropharyngeal cancer prevention.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of pediatric head and neck infections requires awareness of diverse etiologies.
  • Antibiotic stewardship is crucial given the frequency of these infections.
  • New vaccines represent a significant advancement in pediatric oncology and preventative care.

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