Related Experiment Videos
Acute suppurative thyroiditis caused by Eikenella corrodens
J S Queen1, H W Clegg, J C Council
1Department of Pediatrics, Charlotte Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, NC.
Insights
Eikenella corrodens, a common oral bacterium, can cause acute suppurative thyroiditis in children. Prompt treatment with penicillin or ampicillin is recommended, alongside investigation for underlying anatomical issues.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Eikenella corrodens is a facultative anaerobic bacterium commonly found in the oral flora.
- Acute suppurative thyroiditis is an uncommon but serious infection of the thyroid gland.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of acute suppurative thyroiditis were reported where Eikenella corrodens was the primary pathogen.
- Staphylococci are typically the most common bacterial culprits identified in such thyroid infections.
Findings:
- Eikenella corrodens can be a significant pathogen in pediatric acute suppurative thyroiditis.
- Penicillin or ampicillin are effective treatments for Eikenella corrodens infections.
Implications:
- Early identification and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing Eikenella corrodens thyroiditis.
- Children diagnosed with acute suppurative thyroiditis require evaluation for potential anatomical abnormalities that may predispose them to infection.
Abstract:
Eikenella corrodens is a slow-growing facultative anaerobe present in the normal oral flora. Two children have been described with acute suppurative thyroiditis with E corrodens as the major pathogen. Staphylococci are the most frequently identified pathogens in acute suppurative thyroiditis. Penicillin or ampicillin are the drugs of choice for infections caused by E corrodens. Anatomic defects should be searched for in children with acute suppurative thyroiditis.