Epidemiological and Microbiological Aspects of the Peritonsillar Abscess

Abstract

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common complication of tonsillitis. Cultivation usually reveals a wide spectrum of aerobic and anaerobic microbiota.

This retrospective study compared PTA incidence and the spectrum of individual microbial findings in groups of patients divided by gender, age, and season. Of the 966 samples cultivated, a positive cultivation finding was detected in 606 patients (62.73%).

Cultivation findings were negative in 360 (37.27%), meaning no pathogen was present or only common microbiota was cultivated. The highest incidence of PTA was found in group I patients (19-50 years) (p 50 years).

Keywords

• peritonsillar abscess
• incidence
• bacteriology
• primary prevention
• patient stratification
• personalized treatment