Changing trends in Microbiology of periotonsillar abscess: A prospective study

Abstract

Introduction: The patients with PTA without an ante ceding tonsillitis there is a higher incidence of older patients & there is abscess evolvement despite adequate antibiotic therapy. Peritonsillar abscess is known to be treated immediately & than cannot be await the culture & sensitivity reports. Hence, it is that desirable to know the organisms most commonly is isolated from the different cases of quinsy. Materials & Methods: The present study was performed in a period of two years at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Hospital, Bhuj, Gujarat. The study group did consist of 60 consecutive patients (40 male and 20 female with the median age that of 38 years) with the Peritonsillar Abscess, who were undergoing tonsillectomy. Results: The present bacteriologic studies showed that positive bacterial culture in 100% of cases. Gram-positive bacterial growth was seen in the 73.2% of all cases and the Gram-negative growth was seen in the 26.8%. The bacteria most commonly isolated were beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (60%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (28.3%). Other isolates which were seen were alpha-hemolytic streptococci, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas. Conclusion: The bacteria which was most commonly identified were beta hemolytic Streptococcus which was followed by S. aureus. Four points needle aspiration of pus was found to be equally efficacious in that relief of the pain as the incision & drainage in the initial management of the peritonsillar abscess. Keywords: Bacteriology, Culture, Peritonsillar Abscess, Treatment