Isolated Microorganisms and Antimicrobial Resistance of the Deep Neck Infection: A Retrospective Review of 76 Cases / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of deep neck infection has decreased after the introduction of antibiotics and improvement of oral hygiene, but they still may be lethal especially when life-threatening complications occur. The purposes of this study are to find out common organisms, rates of antimicrobial resistance in the deep neck infection. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We have conducted a retrospective study of 76 patients with the diagnosis of deep neck infection that had been seen between January 1998 and December 2003. RESULTS: The most common pathogens found were Streptococcus viridans (34%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.4%), Streptococcus Group F (11.9%), beta-hemolytic streptococci (11.9%) and Peptostreptococcus (7.5%). Staphylococcus species was not found. Of the aerobes found, 74.1% were sensitive to all antibiotics. All Streptococci, with one exception, were not resistant to any antibiotics. All Klebsiella pneumoniae were resistant to ampicillin. Klebsiella pneumoniae were cultured in 50% of DM patients. CONCLUSION: The most common pathogens were Streptococcus viridans (34%). Of these aerobes, 74.1% were sensitive to all antibiotics. All isolated microorganisms were sensitive to ampicillin/sulbactam (Unasyn(R)) used before the results of bacterial cultures.