# A Rare Case of Adolescent Epiglottitis Secondary to Streptococcus dysgalactiae Septicemia

## TL;DR

A 15-year-old immigrant developed severe neck infection and septicemia caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae, highlighting the need for early recognition of this rare pathogen in pediatric cases.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare but severe potential of S. dysgalactiae to cause septicemia and epiglottitis in adolescents.

## Key findings

- S. dysgalactiae caused extensive neck infection and septicemia in a 15-year-old patient.
- The patient required intubation and tracheostomy due to progressive respiratory distress.
- Blood cultures confirmed S. dysgalactiae, leading to targeted antibiotic therapy.

## Abstract

Streptococcus dysgalactiae (S. dysgalactiae)is a relatively uncommon pathogen in the pediatric populations, often overshadowed by Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes)in causing diseases such as cellulitis, severe seep tissue necrotizing infections, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. This case report presents the case of a 15-year-old recent immigrant male patient from Egypt who developed an extensive neck infection with complications from S. dysgalactiae septicemia. Initially misdiagnosed as viral pharyngitis, the patient was later admitted with high fevers, dysphagia, and progressive respiratory distress. Imaging revealed widespread inflammatory changes, including cellulitis, epiglottitis, and lymphadenopathy. Despite prompt antibiotic therapy, the patient required critical interventions, including intubation, inotropic support, followed by a tracheostomy. Blood cultures confirmed S. dysgalactiae, leading to tailored antibiotic therapy adjustments. This case underscores the pathogen’s potential to cause severe infections in pediatric patients, highlighting the need for early recognition and aggressive management. The clinical spectrum and burden of S. dysgalactiae remain underexplored, requiring further study to clarify its pathophysiology and infection patterns. Though rare in pediatric cases, particularly life-threatening septicemia, this organism should be considered alongside S. pyogenes in severe infections.