Presenter Status
Fellow
Abstract Type
Case Report
Primary Mentor or Principal Investigator
Rana El Feghaly
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
21-5-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
21-5-2026 1:00 PM
Abstract Text
Introduction:
Streptococcus dysgalactiae causes pharyngitis, cellulitis, necrotizing soft tissue infections, sepsis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. It can lead to both toxin-mediated and immune-mediated diseases. Mostly seen in adults, rare in pediatric patients. Here we present a 15-year-old with S. dysgalactiae- associated septicemia, and epiglottitis with extensive neck infection.
Case:
A previously healthy 15-year-old male, recently immigrated from Egypt
Presented with fever and sore throat
Initial tests for influenza and Group A streptococcal infection were negative
Rapid overnight decompensation - CT scan revealed extensive neck inflammation, cellulitis, epiglottitis, and cervical lymphadenopathy
Blood cultures confirmed S. dysgalactiae septicemia
Worsened clinically despite broad-spectrum appropriate antibiotics and intensive care
Further Complications:
Acute pancytopenia, Ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, Prolonged intubation
Surgical Interventions:
Multiple surgeries to drain neck abscesses and debride necrotic tissue
Tracheostomy
G-tube placement
Discussion:
Streptococci are gram-positive, nonmotile, catalase-negative cocci that occur in pairs or chains. S. dysgalactiae, carrying serogroup C and G antigens, is associated with a wide range of clinical infections. It has two subspecies: S. dysgalactiae subspecies dysgalactiae (SDSD) and S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE). The organism adheres to the basement membrane, colonizes damaged epithelium, and activates T-cell receptor molecules via exotoxins, increasing T-cells and cytokine release. Pediatric S. dysgalactiae infections are rare.
Teaching points and conclusion:
Our patient had pharyngitis and developed severe complications, including cellulitis, epiglottitis, and necrotizing fasciitis, requiring multiple debridement procedures. He further had septic shock. These complications were not previously reported. He underwent extensive bilateral pharyngotomy and had his epiglottis completely resected due to necrosis. This shows potential of S. dysgalactiae to cause severe systemic illness in immunocompetent children.
A Rare Case Of Adolescent Epiglottitis Secondary To Streptococcus Dysgalactiae
Introduction:
Streptococcus dysgalactiae causes pharyngitis, cellulitis, necrotizing soft tissue infections, sepsis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. It can lead to both toxin-mediated and immune-mediated diseases. Mostly seen in adults, rare in pediatric patients. Here we present a 15-year-old with S. dysgalactiae- associated septicemia, and epiglottitis with extensive neck infection.
Case:
A previously healthy 15-year-old male, recently immigrated from Egypt
Presented with fever and sore throat
Initial tests for influenza and Group A streptococcal infection were negative
Rapid overnight decompensation - CT scan revealed extensive neck inflammation, cellulitis, epiglottitis, and cervical lymphadenopathy
Blood cultures confirmed S. dysgalactiae septicemia
Worsened clinically despite broad-spectrum appropriate antibiotics and intensive care
Further Complications:
Acute pancytopenia, Ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, Prolonged intubation
Surgical Interventions:
Multiple surgeries to drain neck abscesses and debride necrotic tissue
Tracheostomy
G-tube placement
Discussion:
Streptococci are gram-positive, nonmotile, catalase-negative cocci that occur in pairs or chains. S. dysgalactiae, carrying serogroup C and G antigens, is associated with a wide range of clinical infections. It has two subspecies: S. dysgalactiae subspecies dysgalactiae (SDSD) and S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE). The organism adheres to the basement membrane, colonizes damaged epithelium, and activates T-cell receptor molecules via exotoxins, increasing T-cells and cytokine release. Pediatric S. dysgalactiae infections are rare.
Teaching points and conclusion:
Our patient had pharyngitis and developed severe complications, including cellulitis, epiglottitis, and necrotizing fasciitis, requiring multiple debridement procedures. He further had septic shock. These complications were not previously reported. He underwent extensive bilateral pharyngotomy and had his epiglottis completely resected due to necrosis. This shows potential of S. dysgalactiae to cause severe systemic illness in immunocompetent children.
Comments
Poster Board Number: 10