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Microflora in maxillofacial infections--a changing scenario?
V Yuvaraj1, Mohan Alexander, Sanjay Pasupathy
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Center, Bhanpur, Bhopal India.
Summary
This study found that aerobic bacteria, not anaerobic bacteria, are the primary cause of maxillofacial infections. Penicillin remains effective for treating these common infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Background:
- Recent literature suggests a growing role for anaerobic bacteria in maxillofacial infections.
- Advances in culturing techniques have improved the identification of anaerobic microorganisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the prevalence of anaerobic bacteria in maxillofacial infections.
- To validate recent claims regarding the significance of anaerobes in these infections.
Main Methods:
- A prospective clinical and microbiological study involving 88 patients.
- Pus samples were aspirated from infected spaces.
- Culture and sensitivity tests were performed to identify microbes and their antibiotic susceptibility.
Main Results:
- Aerobic bacteria (68.2%) were the predominant cause of maxillofacial infections, followed by mixed infections (13.6%) and anaerobes (9.1%).
- Streptococcus and Peptostreptococcus species were the most common aerobes and anaerobes, respectively.
- 81.3% of isolates were sensitive to penicillin; however, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Staphylococcus aureus showed significant resistance.
Conclusions:
- The microflora causing maxillofacial infections has not significantly changed.
- Penicillin remains a primary choice for treating maxillofacial infections despite some resistant strains.
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