Microbiology of paediatric deep neck space infection

To study the organisms and resistance profiles in the pediatric population of patients with deep neck space infection in a developing nation so as to aid in determining relevant, appropriate and effective antimicrobial empiric treatment. To describe the socioeconomic demographics of pediatric patients affected and the predominant age-related subtypes of deep neck space infections in an African population compared to those affected worldwide.

A retrospective review of patients aged younger than 16 years of age, with deep neck space infections over a 5,5-year period was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Diagnosis of deep neck space infection was determined by clinical, radiographic and laboratory findings. All patients received abscess drainage via either needle aspiration or surgical drainage using a sterile technique. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures and cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were performed. Duration of hospitalization was used as an indicator of treatment response. Results were recorded, and statistical analysis was performed.

A total of 107 children with deep neck space infection were included in the study, with 121 pus specimens retrieved. The male: female ratio was 1.14:1, with a total of 57 males and 50 females, demonstrating a slight male predominance. Mean age was 5.8 years (range 2months-15years). There was no significant difference in duration of hospitalization in children less than 2 years and children older than 2 years of age. The submandibular space was the most common affected site (73.9%). Analysis of the 121 pus specimens demonstrated an identifiable organism in 71% (n = 86) of cases, with no bacterial growth in 29% (n = 35) of specimens. Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant organism cultured, with a prevalence of 65% of positive pus cultures. 100% of these organisms were sensitive to cloxacillin, and 100% were resistant to penicillin/ampicillin. With respect to positive pus cultures, there was an overall organism sensitivity to cloxacillin of 67% and overall resistance to penicillin/ampicillin of 76%. MRSA, TB and anaerobic bacterial infection have a much lower incidence than aerobic bacterial infection. Risk factors identified in our study include anemia and HIV.

Children across all age groups are affected by deep neck space infection in a low socioeconomic environment. Risk factors identified include anaemia and HIV infection. The incidence of TB and anaerobic infection is lower than expected. There is a high level of antimicrobial resistance to penicillin seen in our study, predominantly due to Staphylococcus aureus infection. These organisms are however sensitive to Cloxacillin, which is a cost-effective beta-lactam antibiotic. We therefore recommend empiric treatment with cloxacillin and metronidazole to cover for anaerobic bacterial infection and de-escalation if necessary once culture results are available.