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[Peritonsillar abscess in a child caused by ampicillin resistant Haemophilus influenzae]

L P Madsen1

  • 1Paediatrisk afdeling, Randers Centralsygehus.

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|November 26, 1990
PubMed

Insights

A pediatric peritonsillar abscess caused by beta-lactamase producing Haemophilus influenzae was resistant to penicillin and ampicillin. Successful treatment was achieved with sulfamethizole, highlighting an alternative therapeutic option.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Peritonsillar abscesses are common complications of tonsillitis, typically treated with antibiotics and surgical drainage.
  • Standard antibiotic regimens may fail due to antibiotic resistance, necessitating alternative treatment strategies.

Observation:

  • A six-year-old boy presented with a peritonsillar abscess that did not respond to initial penicillin treatment.
  • Subsequent treatment with ampicillin and tonsillectomy also proved unsuccessful.

Findings:

  • Pus cultivation from the abscess identified beta-lactamase producing Haemophilus influenzae as the causative agent.
  • The patient achieved successful resolution of the abscess after treatment with sulfamethizole.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of microbial culture and sensitivity testing in managing refractory peritonsillar abscesses.
  • Sulfamethizole can be an effective alternative treatment for peritonsillar abscesses caused by beta-lactamase producing Haemophilus influenzae, particularly in cases of antibiotic failure.

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