Bacteriology spectrum and antibiotic resistance in cultures from peritonsillar abscesses

The study presented updates the spectrum of causative organisms in peritonsillar abscesses. Antibiotic treatment and surgery play important roles in this potentially life-threatening disease. A regular screening of the bacterial spectrum present and resistance remains important for optimizing a therapeutic regimen. Swabs of 122 peritonsillar abscesses were taken and investigated for the presence of causative organisms (bacteria and fungi) and potential antibiotic resistances. It was found that group A beta-hemolytic streptococci and Bacteroides spp. were the predominant isolates. It was also found that amoxicillin plus clavulinic acid or, alternatively, a third-generation cephalosporin (e.g., cefotaxime) represented the treatment of first choice to prevent antibiotic resistance.