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Tonsillitis due to neisseria meningitidis. Its treatment with rifampin
Abstract:
The Neisseria species with which most otolaryngologists are familiar is N gonorrhoeae, which can cause acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis. Less well known is N meningitidis, responsible for potentially fatal meningococcal meningitis and meningococcemia. Although present in the carrier state in the pharynx of asymptomatic individuals, N meningitidis previously has not been associated with symptomatic pharyngeal or tonsillar disease. Its isolation from a patient with acute tonsillitis and failure to eliminate the symptoms and organism with penicillin led to use of rifampin. Disappearance of sore throat following use of this antibiotic and inability at completion of therapy to isolate the organism from a homogenate of excised tonsil would appear to implicate the organism as a cause of acute pharyngeal and tonsillar infection. It should be added to the list of organisms capable of producing acute tonsillitis, and rifampin should be considered a chemotherapeutic agent.
Insights
Neisseria meningitidis, typically known for meningitis, was found to cause acute tonsillitis in a patient. Treatment with rifampin successfully cleared both the infection and symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a common cause of pharyngitis and tonsillitis.
- Neisseria meningitidis is primarily known for causing meningitis and meningococcemia, and is often found asymptomatically in the pharynx.
Observation:
- A patient presented with acute tonsillitis from which Neisseria meningitidis was isolated.
- Initial penicillin treatment failed to resolve symptoms and eradicate the organism.
Findings:
- Administration of rifampin led to the disappearance of sore throat and tonsillar symptoms.
- Post-therapy analysis of excised tonsils confirmed the absence of Neisseria meningitidis.
Implications:
- Neisseria meningitidis should be recognized as a potential cause of acute pharyngeal and tonsillar infections.
- Rifampin is a potential chemotherapeutic agent for treating such infections.