| Summary: | A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of
the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the degree of Master of Medicine in
Otorhinolaryngology, Johannesburg, 2018 === This study is a seven year (01/07/08 - 30/06/15) retrospective review of the
microbiology of deep neck infections in 52 adult patients at Chris Hani
Baragwanath academic hospital. Micro-organisms isolated from patients with
deep neck infections were analysed, including their antibiotic susceptibility
patterns. The effectiveness of empiric usage of amoxicillin – clavulanic acid
against commonly identified microbes and recommended alternative antibiotic
usage were reviewed.The register records of 70 microscopy, culture, and
antibiotic sensitivity results of specimens taken intraoperatively, in patients
with deep neck infections who underwent surgical intervention, were analysed.
Aerobic identified gram negative bacilli and streptococcus species; and
anaerobic Prevotella, were the most frequently isolated microorganisms.
Microbial sensitivity and resistance to amoxicillin – clavulanic acid was
reported in 15% (n = 8) of patients with deep neck infections. Hence, the
effectiveness of empiric usage of amoxicillin – clavulanic acid, against
microbes commonly involved in deep neck infections in adults at Chris Hani
Baragwanath academic hospital; cannot be proved nor disproved and is thus
recommended as an option; alternative empiric antibiotic usage likewise
cannot be recommended. Further periodic surveillance of microbial profiles
and associated antimicrobial susceptibility results, in larger population
samples of patients with deep neck infections; utilizing standardized protocols,
is suggested. === XL2018
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