Acute Epiglottitis in the Adult Caused by Neisseria meningitidis

Abstract

Acute epiglottitis is being increasingly encountered in the adult population. While it has many similarities to its pediatric counterpart, the presentation and associated pathogens are distinct. In addition, although the recent literature has suggested that acute epiglottitis in the adult follows a benign course this is not always the case. Here we describe a case of acute, fulminant epiglottitis in an immunocompetent host, caused by Neisseria meningitidis.