A case report of Ludwig’s angina

Ludwig angina is a rapidly progressing submaxillary, submandibular, and sublingual necrotizing cellulitis of the floor of the mouth that can have lethal consequences due to airway obstruction. Various aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, and less often fungi, have been implicated to cause Ludwig angina, including oral flora such as Streptococci and Staphylococci. Early recognition and use of parenteral antibiotics can prevent mortality and morbidity. We report a case of 30 years old male who was admitted to hospital with chief complaints of neck swelling, toothache, dysphagia and difficulty in opening mouth. Blood counts showed leukocytosis with neutrophilia along with raised ESR. Pus was drained after incision in submental and submandibular space and was transported to Microbiology department for further processing. Gram staining of pus showed many pus cells, spirochetes and fusiform shaped bacilli.