A fatal case of Ludwig's angina and mediastinitis caused by an unusual microorganism, Gemella morbillorum

Abstract

We present a case of Ludwig's angina in a 48-y-old immunocompetent male caused by an unusual pathogen, Gemella morbillorum. The infection was complicated with mediastinitis and despite aggressive management of the disease the patient died after 12 d of hospitalization. This is the first reported case of Ludwig's angina caused by G. morbillorum and emphasizes that the disease remains a potentially lethal infection. © 2005 Taylor & Francis