Impact of public health measures during the Covid-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of pharyngeal abscess.

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated public health measures (shielding) altered the circulation of respiratory infections. However, their impact on pharyngeal abscess remains poorly documented.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to assess the progression in the number of pharyngeal abscess cases between March 2018 and February 2024.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study compared the periods before, during and after the implementation of shielding measures. Demographic, clinical, therapeutic, and bacteriological data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty patients with pharyngeal abscess were included. A significant increase in cases was observed after the lifting of shielding. We also identified a higher rate of surgical management and a predominance of Streptococcus pyogenes after the measures were lifted.

CONCLUSION

Shielding measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic affected not only the number of pharyngeal abscess cases but also their management and bacteriological profile.