Fusobacterium necrophorum can cause endemic pharyngitis and the Lemierre syndrome. Four previous case reports and one epidemiologic study have documented that some F. necrophorum pharyngitis patients develop bacteremia without developing the complete Lemierre syndrome. We report two more patients who have bacteremic F. necrophorum pharyngitis. We summarize the clinical presentation of these six patients. All received early diagnosis and excellent response to antibiotics. We speculate that prompt antibiotic treatment may have prevented the more serious Lemierre syndrome. Adolescents and young adults who present with significant pharyngotonsillitis and bacteremic symptoms should have blood cultures and receive antibiotic regimens that treat F. necrophorum. Recognition of such patients might prevent Lemierre syndrome. © 2010.
