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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Method of Studying Palatal Fusion using Static Organ Culture
Published on: September 19, 2015
Cleft soft palate reconstruction: prospective study on infection and antibiotics
1Department of Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgery, University of Pretoria, South-Africa.
Insights
This study identified pathogenic organisms in babies with cleft palate, finding many resistant to common antibiotics. These findings highlight the need for reassessing antibiotic use and considering antimicrobial mouth rinses to prevent wound complications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Surgery
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Babies with cleft palate are susceptible to wound complications like infections and fistulas.
- Understanding the microbial profile is crucial for preventing postoperative issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify pathogenic organisms in babies with cleft palate.
- To evaluate the antibiotic resistance profiles of these organisms.
- To correlate microbial findings with wound complications.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of the intra-oral microbiological profile.
- Sampled 100 babies with soft palate cleft deformities peri-operatively.
- Identified organisms and assessed their antibiotic resistance.
Main Results:
- A wide spectrum of pathogenic organisms was isolated from the aero-digestive tract and colon/perineum.
- Organisms from the colon/perineum were linked to postoperative complications.
- High antibiotic resistance was observed against ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and cephalosporins.
Conclusions:
- Specific pathogenic organisms, particularly those from the colon/perineum, are associated with wound complications in cleft palate repair.
- The observed high antibiotic resistance necessitates a review of current treatment protocols.
- Combination therapy, including appropriate antibiotics and antimicrobial mouth rinses, may be beneficial.
Abstract:
The aim of this prospective study was to identify possible pathogenic organisms associated with wound complications in the form of wound infections, wound breakdown and the formation of oro-nasal fistulas. The organisms' resistance profile to antibiotics was also evaluated. This prospective study consisted of the evaluation of the intra-oral microbiological profile of 100 babies with soft palate cleft deformities peri-operatively. A wide spectrum of pathogenic organisms from the upper aero-digestive track was isolated, as well as a group of organisms that originated from the colon/perineum. The latter organisms were mostly associated with postoperative complications. The antibiotic resistance profile showed a high resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxycillin-clavulanic acid, and first- and second-generation cephalosporins. The resistance profile of the organisms needs to be reassessed and appropriate antibiotics must be used in combination with an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
