Deep neck space infections in Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescent deep neck space infection is an important pathology that often requires hospitalization for antimicrobial therapy. The aim of the study was to identify the inciting organisms and their resistance profiles in the adolescent population of patients with deep neck space infection. We performed a single-center cross-sectional retrospective analysis of patients between 10 and 16 years of age, with deep neck space infections. From the 319 cases of deep neck space infections that presented over the study period, nine patients met the criteria to be included in the study. The mean age being 11.8 years. The microbiology of the specimens revealed mainly Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species and in some patients microscopy and culture showed no predominant bacteria. There was an overall 86% resistance of organisms to penicillin and ampicillin but most organisms were sensitive to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid Deep neck space infections in adolescents can initially be managed with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, source control and surgical drainage if required. Culture directed therapy can be initiated after microbiology results. The spaces involved are similar to adults with 44% of patients having deep neck abscess secondary odontogenic infection. The microbiology however is similar to that of children with Streptococcus and staphylococcus species being the most predominant.