Deep head and neck infections: outcome following empirical therapy with early generation antibiotics. (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Varghese, Lalee; Mathews, Suma Susan; Antony Jude Prakash, John; Rupa, V
• Is Part Of: Tropical doctor. Volume 48:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 179
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: ENT (ear -- nose -- throat) -- bacterial infection -- treatment; Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing Countries -- Periodicals; Tropical Medicine -- Periodicals; Tropische geneeskunde; 616.9883
• DOI: 10.1177/0049475518774472
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0049-4755

Abstract

In order to study the bacteriological profile, antibiotic sensitivity and outcome following empirical therapy with early generation antibiotics in patients with deep head and neck infection, a retrospective review of 42 patients admitted for drainage and intravenous antibiotic therapy was performed. Ludwig's angina was the commonest infection, with the most common organisms isolated being Group F ß-haemolytic (15%) and non-haemolytic (12.5%) streptococcus. All streptococci and anaerobic gram-positive cocci were susceptible to penicillin. S. aureus isolates were oxacillin-sensitive and enterococcus isolates were ampicillin-sensitive. All 42 patients received empirical therapy with either intravenous penicillin or its derivatives. In only three patients was a change of antibiotic required based on culture and sensitivity results. Early generation antibiotics appear ideal as empirical therapy for deep head and neck infection.