Acute Glossitis and Septicemia Owing to Haemophilus influenzae Type B

Acute bacterial glossitis occurs infrequently, judging by the lack of reported cases in the English literature. Pseudomonas sp and hemolytic streptococci have been implicated as causative agents of suppurative parenchymatous glossitis.¹ Two cases of acute glossitis owing to Haemophilus influenzae type B have been reported, both of them within the past three years.^2.3 We report another case of H influenzae type B glossitis to further promote awareness and recognition of this disease.

Report of a Case.—This 4-year-old boy complained of a swollen and painful tongue. He was well until the evening prior to consultation when he complained of a vague discomfort of the tongue. Inspection of the child's mouth by his father did not yield any unusual findings. The child's buccal cavity was sprayed with a mouthwash and he was put to bed. Early the next morning, the patient woke up complaining of increased lingual pain. Swallowing was