Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 18 - a2210
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1388860

Epidemiological Aspects of Peritonsillar Abscess

Francisco Iure Sampaio Lira 1, Hyun Jin Noh 1, Luciano Rodrigues Neves 1
  • 1Escola Paulista de Medicina Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp)

Introduction: Peritonsillar abscess is a supurative complication of tonsillitis and the most common deep neck space infection in adults. Nevertheless, the management varies widely among otolaryngologists.

Objective: This study aims to understand the profile of patients with peritonsillar abscess.

Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 37 patients diagnosed with peritonsillar abscess treated at our institution between March and October 2013.

Results: Patients were predominantly females (62.16%), and ages varying between 11 and 56 years (mean 27.27 years). Four patients had already had previous episodes of peritonsillar abscess, and 56.76% of the patients were already on antimicrobial therapy. The culture was positive in 35.48% of the patients, and S. β-hemolytic was the most commonly found pathogen.

Conclusion: Peritonsillar abscess is a common condition, affecting especially young adults, and mostly caused by bacteria of the Streptococcus group. A better understanding of the treated population provides a better outcome in the treatment.

Keywords: peritonsillar abscess, epidemiology, microbiology, tonsillitis.