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Published on: March 3, 2023
Microbial spectrum and resistance of odontogenic abscesses - microbiological analysis using next generation
Felix Thol1, Felix Benjamin Warwas2, Nikolai Spuck3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center of the University Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, Building 11, 2. OG, D-53127, Bonn, Germany. felix.thol@ukbonn.de.
Next-generation sequencing reveals odontogenic abscesses are polymicrobial infections, primarily caused by anaerobic bacteria and exhibiting significant antibiotic resistance. This detailed microbiome analysis aids in personalized antibiotic therapy.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Odontogenic abscesses are complex infections requiring accurate diagnostics.
- Traditional culture methods may underestimate the full microbial diversity and resistance profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the bacterial and fungal microbiome of odontogenic abscesses using next-generation sequencing (NGS).
- To identify prevalent microbial species and antibiotic resistance patterns.
- To compare NGS findings with traditional diagnostic capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Wound swabs from 51 patients with odontogenic abscesses were analyzed using NGS.
- Bioinformatic analysis identified microbial profiles and antibiotic resistance genes.
- Statistical analysis was performed to correlate findings with patient history, including antibiotic therapy.
Main Results:
- All samples showed bacterial presence, with anaerobes dominating (50/51 swabs).
- Common anaerobic genera included Fusobacterium, Prevotella, Parvimonas, and Porphyromonas.
- Fungi were detected in 52.9% of cases (Malassezia, Aspergillus, Candida).
- Antibiotic resistance was prevalent (66.7%), particularly against lincosamides, macrolides, and tetracyclines.
- Fusobacterium exhibited a 25.9% resistance rate to clindamycin.
Conclusions:
- Odontogenic abscesses harbor a polymicrobial microbiome, largely anaerobic and more diverse than previously recognized.
- NGS provides comprehensive pathogen diagnostics, crucial for optimizing targeted and individualized antibiotic treatments.
- Understanding current resistance patterns is vital for effective management of these infections.
