Patient characteristics and microbiology in pilonidal abscesses in children

David Sebastian D Garcia1, Joshua R Watson2, Guliz Erdem2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Toledo College of Medicine, 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, Ohio 43606, USA.

Insights

This study analyzed the microbiology of pediatric pilonidal abscesses, finding anaerobes and Streptococcus anginosus group to be most common. No specific patient characteristics were linked to abscess recurrence in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Pilonidal abscesses are common in children.
  • Understanding the microbiology is key to managing pediatric pilonidal disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the microbiology of pediatric pilonidal abscesses.
  • To identify patient characteristics associated with recurrence.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 216 pilonidal abscess episodes in 154 children over 10 years.
  • Surgical cultures were analyzed for microbial identification.
  • Patient data was reviewed for potential recurrence risk factors.

Main Results:

  • The most common organisms isolated were anaerobes and the Streptococcus anginosus group.
  • No specific patient characteristics were identified as risk factors for recurrence.

Conclusions:

  • Anaerobes and Streptococcus anginosus group are prevalent in pediatric pilonidal abscesses.
  • Further research may be needed to identify recurrence predictors in pediatric populations.

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