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TABLE 74.1
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF SORE THROAT IN THE
IMMUNOCOMPETENT HOST
Infectious pharyngitis
Respiratory viruses
Group A streptococci
Epstein–Barr virus (infectious mononucleosis)
Human immunodeficiency virus
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Anaerobic bacteria
Group C and G streptococci
Arcanobacterium haemolyticum
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (unconfirmed)
Chlamydia pneumoniae (unconfirmed)
Francisella tularensis
Corynebacterium diphtheriae (diphtheria)
Other causes
Herpetic stomatitis
Irritative pharyngitis
Foreign body
Peritonsillar abscess
Retropharyngeal and lateral pharyngeal abscesses
Epiglottitis
Kawasaki disease
Stevens–Johnson syndrome
Chemical exposure
Psychogenic pain
Referred pain

Retropharyngeal and Lateral Pharyngeal Abscesses
Retropharyngeal abscess is an uncommon cause of sore throat, usually occurring

in children younger than 4 to 6 years. Although most children with this disorder
often appear toxic and have neck pain and occasionally respiratory distress, a few
complain of sore throat and dysphagia without other manifestations early in the
course. Some infants and young children may also manifest torticollis. A young