Varicella-associated acute supraglottitis

C A Nozicka1, S H Naidu, J McFadden

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Lutheran General Children's Hospital, Park Ridge, Illinois.

Insights

Acute bacterial supraglottitis, a pediatric illness, can be caused by various bacteria beyond Haemophilus influenzae type b. This case highlights a rare instance of supraglottitis linked to varicella infection in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Acute bacterial supraglottitis is a known pediatric condition.
  • Commonly caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b.
  • Other bacterial pathogens have been reported.

Observation:

  • This report details a pediatric case of acute supraglottitis.
  • The supraglottitis was observed in conjunction with varicella infection.

Findings:

  • The causative agent was not the typical Haemophilus influenzae type b.
  • Varicella infection was associated with the development of acute supraglottitis.

Implications:

  • Broadens the understanding of potential causes for pediatric supraglottitis.
  • Suggests varicella as a possible contributing factor in supraglottic infections.
  • Highlights the need for considering viral infections in differential diagnosis of supraglottitis.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Chronic Pharyngitis01:23

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
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...
Chickenpox01:20

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...