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A Delayed Inoculation Model of Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Wound Infection
Published on: February 20, 2020
Deep Neck Infection Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Yuichiro Iwamoto1,2, Ryo Shirai2, Katsumasa Koyama2
1Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Japan.
Abstract:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infection, often diagnosed in immunocompromised patients, is a chronic disease. However, peritonsillar and deep cervical abscesses caused by P. aeruginosa are rare. We herein present the rare case of a 70-year-old male patient with a 5-day history of sore throat and difficult oral intake. The oral cavity was filled with pus and the left palatine tonsil was destroyed. A peritonsillar abscess caused by P. aeruginosa was diagnosed using a pus culture. Emergency incisions were made for tonsil drainage, tracheostomy, and antibacterial drug treatment. Despite infection resolution in 20 days, recovery from swallowing dysfunction required one year of rehabilitation.
Insights
This case report details a rare peritonsillar abscess caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an immunocompromised patient. Prompt treatment involving drainage and antibiotics led to infection resolution, though swallowing dysfunction required extensive rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections are typically chronic and occur in immunocompromised individuals.
- Peritonsillar and deep cervical abscesses are uncommon manifestations of P. aeruginosa.
- This study focuses on a rare presentation of P. aeruginosa infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of peritonsillar abscess caused by P. aeruginosa.
- To highlight the diagnostic and management challenges of such rare infections.
- To emphasize the long-term recovery process for swallowing dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 70-year-old male with sore throat and dysphagia.
- Diagnosis confirmed by pus culture identifying P. aeruginosa.
- Treatment included emergency tonsil incision, drainage, tracheostomy, and antibacterial therapy.
Main Results:
- Successful drainage and treatment of the peritonsillar abscess.
- Resolution of the P. aeruginosa infection within 20 days.
- Significant improvement in swallowing function after one year of rehabilitation.
Conclusions:
- Peritonsillar abscess due to P. aeruginosa is a rare but serious condition.
- Multidisciplinary management is crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Swallowing dysfunction can persist long after infection resolution, necessitating prolonged rehabilitation.
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