Supraglottitis due to group B streptococcus in an adult with IgG4 and C2 deficiency: a case report and review of the literature

Laryngoscope. 2015 Apr;125(4):852-5. doi: 10.1002/lary.24874. Epub 2014 Aug 14.

Abstract

Acute supraglottitis is a medical emergency as it can rapidly lead to airway compromise. With routine pediatric immunization for Hemophilus influenzae serotype b, supraglottitis is now more prevalent in adults, with a shift in the causative organisms and a change in the natural history of this disease. Here, we present a case of supraglottitis due to group B streptococcus that occurred in an adult with previously undetected immunoglobulin 4 (IgG4) and complement protein C2 deficiency.

Keywords: Immunology; Streptococcus agalactiae; group B streptococcus; larynx; supraglottitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Complement C2 / deficiency
  • Complement C2 / immunology
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • IgG Deficiency / immunology
  • Immunocompromised Host / immunology*
  • Male
  • Rare Diseases
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Streptococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / isolation & purification*
  • Supraglottitis / diagnosis
  • Supraglottitis / drug therapy
  • Supraglottitis / immunology*
  • Supraglottitis / microbiology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Complement C2