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Changing trends in bacteriology of peritonsillar abscess

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 November 2007

S B Megalamani ,
G Suria ,
U Manickam ,
D Balasubramanian  and
S Jothimahalingam
S B Megalamani*
Affiliation:
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India
G Suria
Affiliation:
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India
U Manickam
Affiliation:
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India
D Balasubramanian
Affiliation:
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India
S Jothimahalingam
Affiliation:
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Somanath B Megalamani, Department of ENT, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry 605006, India. E-mail: otolaryngology.jipmer@yahoo.com
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Abstract

Objectives:

To evaluate the type of aerobic bacteria commonly isolated from peritonsillar abscesses.

Study design:

A retrospective study involving 60 patients presenting with peritonsillar abscess treated between 2003 and 2006.

Setting:

The patients were treated in a tertiary care, teaching hospital. The records of the patients were reviewed and analysed.

Results:

Gram-positive organisms were commonly isolated from the abscesses. However, an increasing trend towards Gram-negative bacterial isolates was noted. The antibiogram showed changing patterns of sensitivity, with a resistance to penicillin.

Conclusion:

There is an increasing incidence of Gram-negative aerobic bacteria causing peritonsillar abscess. Appropriate antibiotics for Gram-negative bacteria should be included in the regimen if such bacteria are isolated in culture and sensitivity studies.

Significance:

Empirical antibiotics with Gram-negative cover will be appropriate as adjunctive therapy.

Keywords

Peritonsillar AbscessMicrobiologyAntibiotics

Information

Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 122 , Issue 9 , September 2008 , pp. 928 - 930
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2007

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