The pathogenesis and microbiology of idiopathic cervicofacial abscesses

Sixty-three cases of idiopathic cervicofacial abscesses were surveyed. Several debilitating conditions, probably responsible for diminished resistance to infection, were found in association with the abscesses. The condition mainly affected children under two years of age, and the submandibular and submental regions were the most common sites of occurrence. The predominant infecting organism was Staphylococcus aureus. The abscess cavity was a statistically significant source of S. aureus, but the nose, ear, mouth, and skin did not appear to be significant sources of the pathogen. Antibiotics such as Dalacin C and gentamicin were found to be active against all the strains of S. aureus. Although incision and drainage was the most effective method of treatment for the abscesses, appropriate antibiotics may be prescribed for those cases where suppuration has not yet taken place.