Microorganisms Isolated From Peritonsillar Abscess and Indicated Chemotherapy

Abstract
• A bacteriologic study was made of 30 patients with peritonsillar abscesses with the use of both aerobic and anaerobic culture procedures. The abscess was punctured and the pus was aspirated by a syringe with an 18-gauge needle. Aerobes and anaerobes were detected in a frequency rate of approximately 1:2. Peptostreptococcus (30.2%), group A streptococci (27.9%), Peptococcus (16.3%), and Fusobacterium (9.3%) were preponderant pathogens. Anaerobic organisms were isolated in 75% of 30 cases. Aside from group A streptococci, anaerobes play a major etiologic role in peritonsillar abscess. Penicillins or cephalosporins will provide maximum chemotherapeutic benefit. (Arch Otolaryngol 1982;108:655-658)

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