Favored by poor oral hygiene, this little-known condition mainly affects adolescents and young adults. What are the symptoms ? Is it contagious? How to treat it? Explanations Dr. Christophe Lequart, dentist and spokesperson for the UFSBD.
What is Vincent’s angina?
It’s about a ulcerative angina caused by two types of bacteria: spirochetes (Borrelia vincentii) and fusobacteria. Doctors talk aboutfusospirillary angina.
What causes Vincent’s angina?
“Poor oral hygiene is at the origin of the appearance of this disease. It often occurs during a period of fatigue or intense stresswhen immune defenses are impaired“, explains Dr. Christophe Lequart, dentist.
What are the symptoms of Vincent’s angina?
This disease is characterized by:
- She is always unilateral (on one side only)
- A foul breath
- Sometimes a hypersalivation
- The presence of a more or less thick greyish membrane on the amygdala concerned which can extend to the level of the palate
- A fever moderate intensity
- A strong painalways on one side of the throat
- Sometimes it is possible to feel a ganglion in the neck, on the side where the angina started.
Is it contagious?
Vincent’s angina is very treatable with antibiotics
Vincent’s angina is not contagious at all. “The main reason lies in the specific characteristics of the bacteria that cause it: this infection is usually caused by a combination of bacteria, including spirochetes (Borrelia vincentii) and fusobacteriaexplains Dr. Lequart. These bacteria occur naturally in many people’s mouths and throats without causing infection. However, when certain favorable conditions are met, such as a decreased local immunity or poor oral hygiene, these bacteria can grow and lead to Vincent’s angina. Since these bacteria are already part of the normal flora of the mouth and throat, they are not considered contagious in the traditional sense of the word. This means that you cannot get Vincent’s angina from direct exposure to someone with this infection.“.
What are the possible complications of Vincent’s angina?
Badly treated or not cared for, it can turn into tonsil phlegmon or Lemierre syndromejugular septic thrombophlebitis with pulmonary embolism, chest pain, infarction and pulmonary abscess.
“Vincent’s angina can be treated very well with the taking antibiotics (from the family of penicillin or, in case of penicillin allergy, metronidazole) for about a week” recommends the dentist. Since dental problems are often the cause of its development, it will be necessary to make an appointment with your dentist so that he can deliver the necessary care and treat possible sources of infection.
Thanks to Dr. Christophe Lequart, dentist and UFSBD spokesperson.