Methanobrevibacter smithii tonsillar phlegmon: a case report

Abstract

Untreated tonsillar phlegmon is a life-threatening condition commonly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and Fusobacterium necrophorum, among other pathogens. Here, using specific laboratory tools, we detected Methanobrevibacter smithii in addition to S. pyogenes. This unprecedented observation questions the role of methanogens in phlegmon and the optimal treatment of this mixed infection.

Keywords

• Methanobrevibacter smithii
• methanogens
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• tonsillar phlegmon