Microflora of Orofacial Space Infections of Odontogenic Origin in Children – A Bacteriological Study

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Objectives: To investigate the causative micro-organisms and also to assess the anatomic distribution of orofacial space infections of odontogenic origin in pediatric patients. Materials and methods: A total of 25 patients, aged 3-14 years with orofacial odontogenic infections were selected and pus was collected using 22 gauge needles. The pus samples were immediately processed for Gram staining, aerobic and anaerobic cultures. Various parameters like gender, age, micro-organisms isolated and involved facial spaces were studied. Results: From 25 patients, total of 23 (92%) bacterial strains were isolated. In 2 (8%) patients no growth from cultures was observed. Among 23 isolates, 13 (56%) isolates were of mixed growth, 8 (34%) isolates of anaerobic growth and only 2 (8%) isolates of aerobic growth. Most commonly isolated aerobic species was Streptococcus viridans (47%). Peptostreptococcous (48%) was the most commonly isolated anaerobic species. The submandibular space (56%) was the most frequently involved space among single space infections. Involvement of multiple spaces was not observed. Conclusion: Pediatric orofacial space infections of odontogenic origin are a polymicrobial, mixed (aerobic – anaerobic) infection with predominance of anaerobic bacteria. Submandibular space is the most frequently involved space in children.