Arcanobacterium haemolyticum – case report

Abstract

Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is a gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming, non-motile, catalase-negative bacteria. It is a rare cause of pharyngitis infections in teenagers and young adults. Although complications such as peritonsillar abscess, Lemierre’s syndrome, septicemia, orbital necrotizing fasciitis, or osteomyelitis are infrequently reported in the literature in the pediatric population, they might have far-reaching consequences. We present a case of a patient who presented to the emergency department with symptoms of sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, and a patchy rash on the arms, legs, and back. A peritonsillar abscess was diagnosed and drained. After admission to the hospital, the patient received treatment with intravenous antibiotics, and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum infection was confirmed. However, the patient experienced recurrent symptoms, leading to a suspicion of immunodeficiency. A tonsillectomy was performed, and the patient was prescribed allergy testing.