Introduction: Odentegenic abscess and phlegmon are acute suppurative infections caused mainly by mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria which are part of the normal oral microflora. The treatment is based on wide incision and drainage, removal of the cause of infection, and supportive antibiotic therapy according to strict indications. The aim of this study was to isolate the causative agents of odontogenic abscesses and phlegmons, standardize the method of specimen collection for microbiological investigation, and estimate the in vitro susceptibility of the causative bacteria to the most frequently used antibiotics and moxifloxacin. Patients and metliods: Fifty patients with odontogenic abscesses and phlegmons were included in this prospective study Resuits: Aerobic bacteria were isolated as the predominant causative agents in 39% of specimens, anaerobic bacteria were predominant in 60% of specimens, and yeasts in 1% of specimens. Among the aerobic isolates, 96% were susceptible to penicillin and 93% to clindamycin. Among the anaerobes, 84% were susceptible to penicillin, 100% to amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, 94% to clindamycin, and 82% to metronidazole. All aerobic and anaerobic isolates (100%) were susceptible to moxifloxacin. Conclusion: In our study the causative agents of odontogenic abscesses and phlegmons were mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Penicillin remains the antibiotic of first choice in empirical treatment of odontogenic infection. Clindamycin is used in patients allergic to penicillin.
COBISS.SI-ID: 30354905