TRENCH MOUTH
Vincent’s infection of the mouth is called trench mouth because of the high incidence among the soldiers fighting in the trenches during World War I.
It was named after Jean Hyacinthe Vincent, professor of epidemiology at a military hospital in Paris.
Two germs which seem to thrive when oxygen concentrations are low are found in abundant numbers in the mouth during this infection, although it is still not clear whether they cause the infection or are only secondary invaders. Vincent’s stomatitis, as it is called, is often mistaken for tonsillitis or streptococcal infection of the throat, which responds rapidly to penicillin where Vincent’s infection shows no response to this antibiotic.
The onset is usually sudden, with malaise, a high temperature and a sore throat. The gums are usually reddened and bleed easily. The infection responds rapidly to the drug, metronidazole.
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Tags: General health