Swedish researchers identify warning signs for rare throat infection
A new study reveals which patients are most likely to have a dangerous bacterial throat infection caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, potentially helping doctors decide who needs testing and treatment. The findings could reduce unnecessary antibiotics while catching serious cases early—a key concern as antibiotic resistance spreads.
Originaltitel: Symptoms predictive of <em>Fusobacterium necrophorum</em> pharyngotonsillitis – an observational study of cases presenting to hospitals in Southern Sweden
<p>Objectives: Fusobacterium necrophorum is a common cause of pharyngotonsillitis. However, no guidelines exist on when to diagnose or treat it. We aimed to investigate associations between clinical criteria and F. necrophorum-positivity in pharyngotonsillitis and assess the predictive potential of a simple scoring system. Methods: Pharyngotonsillitis patients who were tested for F. necrophorum (PCR) and presented to hospitals in the Sk & aring;ne Region, Sweden, between 2013-2020 were eligible. Data were retrieved from electronic chart reviews and registries. By logistic regression we investigated associations between F. necrophorum-positivity and pre-specified criteria: age 13-30 years, symptom duration &lt;= 3 days, absence of viral symptoms (e.g. cough, coryza), fever, tonsillar swelling/exudate, lymphadenopathy and CRP &gt;= 50 mg/L. In secondary analyses, associated variables were weighted by strength of association into a score and its predictive accuracy of F. necrophorum was assessed. Results: Among 561 cases included, 184 (33%) had F. necrophorum, which was associated with the following criteria: age 13-30, symptom duration &lt;= 3 days, absence of viral symptoms, tonsillar swelling/exudate and CRP &gt;= 50 mg/L. Age 13-30 had the strongest association (OR5.7 95%CI 3.7-8.8). After weighting, these five variables had a sensitivity and specificity of 68% and 71% respectively to predict F. necrophorum-positivity at the proposed cut-off. Conclusion: Our results suggest that F. necrophorum cases presenting to hospitals might be better distinguished from other pharyngotonsillitis cases by a simple scoring system presented, with age 13-30 being the strongest predictor for F. necrophorum. Prospective studies, involving primary care settings, are needed to evaluate generalisability of findings beyond cases presenting to hospitals.</p>