differential diagnosis
Last reviewed 01/2018
The differential includes:-
- infectious mononucleosis - this may cause a severe membranous tonsillitis. Diagnosis confirmed by Bunnell test.
- scarlet fever - rare - streptococcal tonsillitis with added features caused by a specific toxin. The condition is characterised by a punctate erythematous rash, whiteness around the mouth, and a 'strawberry and cream' tongue.
- diphtheria
- agranulocytosis