Changing trends in bacteriology of peritonsillar abscess.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the type of aerobic bacteria commonly isolated from peritonsillar abscesses.


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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Empirical antibiotics with Gram-negative cover will be appropriate as adjunctive therapy.
Megalamani
S B
SB
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India. otolaryngology.jipmer@yahoo.com
Suria
G
G
Manickam
U
U
Balasubramanian
D
D
Jothimahalingam
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D005260:Female; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000039:Peritonsillar Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents