Background/Objectives: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is a frequent cause of morbidity in pediatric populations, which requires timely identification to prevent complications such as acute rheumatic fever. Rapid antigen detection tests (RADTs) are practical alternatives to throat culture. This study evaluates the diagnostic performance of the RapidFor™ Strep A test. Methods: This prospective clinical study enrolled 389 pediatric patients aged < 18 years with symptoms suggestive of streptococcal pharyngitis. Two throat swabs were collected from each patient: one for rapid antigen testing with RapidFor™ Strep A and one for culture. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. Results: Throat culture was positive in 95 of 389 patients (24.4%). The RapidFor™ Strep A test demonstrated a sensitivity of 98.95% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 94.28-99.81%) and a specificity of 96.26% (95% CI: 93.43-97.90%). The PPV was 89.52%, and the NPV was 99.65%. Agreement with culture was excellent (κ = 0.919); in particular, false-positive results accounted for 2.8% and false-negative results accounted for 1.05%. Fever was the strongest clinical indicator associated with positive results. Conclusions: The RapidFor™ Strep A test showed very high diagnostic accuracy compared with throat culture, including an excellent NPV (99.6%), which supports its reliability for ruling out GAS pharyngitis in pediatric settings. The test is an effective screening tool that facilitates timely antibiotic therapy.

Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome that can occur after acute infection, predominantly caused by viruses. Due to its nonspecific presentation and clinical overlap with conditions like sepsis, HLH is frequently underrecognized in adults. We present the case of an immunocompetent adult admitted with undifferentiated shock, which rapidly progressed to multi-organ failure. Upon further investigation, the patient was diagnosed with HLH, and a comprehensive infectious workup revealed streptococcal pharyngitis as the precipitating cause. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing HLH in the differential diagnosis in immunocompetent adults with pharyngitis presenting with shock, as early recognition is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes. Additionally, we review the current literature to characterize the reported infectious causes of HLH in immunocompetent adults in order to highlight the importance of having a low index of suspicion and conducting a comprehensive infectious workup.

Infectious myocarditis commonly presents following viral illness. Patients with myocarditis are at increased risk of cardiomyopathy, cardiogenic shock, and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. However, due to the rarity of post-bacterial myocarditis, less is known about the presentation, treatment, and prognosis of patients in this sub-population. In particular, myocarditis attributed to group G streptococcus is exceedingly rare. This report describes a 22-year-old man who presented to the hospital with 2 days of chest pain following group G streptococcal pharyngitis. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated focal myocardial hyperintensity on T2W imaging with corresponding elevated T2 values on T2 mapping compatible with myocardial edema. The delayed enhancement imaging showed subepicardial delayed enhancement involving the basal and mid-lateral walls, thereby fulfilling both T1 and T2 Lake Louise criteria consistent with myocarditis. He was treated with 3 months of colchicine. Interval echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated improvement, and he was cleared for exercise 3 months post-diagnosis. This case adds to the limited literature on group G streptococcus-associated myocarditis. Close cardiology follow-up, including repeat echocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and symptom review were key to the successful management of this case.

Medicinal plants are widely used worldwide for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders and have a long history of traditional application. This review aims to summarize current experimental and clinical evidence on medicinal plants used for ENT conditions such as otitis externa/media, tinnitus, vertigo, allergic rhinitis, pharyngitis, and laryngitis, and to support the identification of new plant species with antimicrobial potential against ENT pathogens. This review thoroughly summarizes recent developments from 2020 to 2025 and was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, with predefined ENT and medicinal plants-related keywords. Frequently used species include Lavandula angustifolia, Thymus vulgaris, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Origanum vulgare, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Mentha piperita, Matricaria chamomilla, and Syzygium aromaticum, many of which show In vitro antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral activity relevant to upper airway and oral/ENT infections. Evidence indicates that selected medicinal plants and their extracts or essential oils inhibit key ENT-related pathogens, including multidrug-resistant respiratory and pharyngeal bacteria. The compiled data, structured in comparative tables, highlight promising taxa and preparation types, and underscore gaps in clinical validation, standardization, and safety assessment. Overall, this review provides an evidence-based overview of ENT-related phytotherapy and a framework for future pharmacological and phytochemical studies aimed at developing novel plant-derived antimicrobials for ear, nose, and throat diseases.

Atraumatic splenic rupture is an uncommon but life-threatening complication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. While infectious mononucleosis classically presents with fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy, we recorded a spontaneous splenic rupture even in the absence of these symptoms. We report a case of a 26-year-old male presenting to the emergency department with syncope. A progressive clinical hemodynamic deterioration was detected, ending hemorrhagic shock. Imaging revealed an atraumatic grade V splenic injury and massive hemoperitoneum. Laboratory tests showed lymphocytosis, prompting EBV serology, which confirmed acute mononucleosis infection. Due to hemodynamic instability, the patient underwent splenectomy with uneventful recovery. This case highlights that EBV-related splenic rupture may represent the only manifestation of infection in otherwise asymptomatic individuals. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for EBV infection in patients presenting with unexplained atraumatic splenic rupture. Early diagnosis and timely management are crucial to reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening complications.

Lemierre syndrome is a serious condition that typically affects young, otherwise healthy individuals. It typically begins with a bacterial oropharyngeal infection that progresses to septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, frequently accompanied by septic emboli.We present a case involving a previously healthy young male who developed Lemierre syndrome following a sore throat and fever, later complicated by sepsis. Imaging confirmed internal jugular vein thrombosis, and blood cultures grew Fusobacterium necrophorum Further investigation revealed underlying thrombophilia, which likely contributed to the severity of his thrombotic complications. The patient was successfully treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and anticoagulation. Although incidence has declined with widespread antibiotic use, this case emphasises the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment to reduce the risk of severe complications and mortality.