Antibiotic susceptibility and resistance of the odontogenic microbiological spectrum and its clinical impact on severe deep space head and neck infections.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify the major pathogens responsible for deep space head and neck infections and their current resistance to routinely used antibiotics in a university hospital setting. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 206 patients suffering from odontogenic deep space infections were treated at our department by means of surgical intervention and intravenous administration of antibiotics. RESULTS: The predominant bacteria were viridans group streptococci (VGS), staphylococci, Prevotella, Peptostreptococcus, and Bacteroides. In the aerobic spectrum, resistance against clindamycin was found in 18%, against macrolides in 14%, and against penicillin G in 7%. The anaerobes were resistant to clindamycin in 11%, to metronidazole in 6%, and to penicillin G in 8%. CONCLUSION: The high resistance rate for clindamycin and macrolides was especially striking and may necessitate an adaptation of our antibiotic regime in the future.