Microorganisms isolated from peritonsillar abscess and indicated chemotherapy.

A bacteriologic study was made of 30 patients with peritonsillar abscesses with the use of both aerobic and anaerobic culture procedures. The abscess was punctured and the pus was aspirated by a syringe with an 18-gauge needle. Aerobes and anaerobes were detected in a frequency rate of approximately 1:2. Peptostreptococcus (30.2%), group a streptococci (27.9%), Peptococcus (16.3%), and Fusobacterium (9.3%) were preponderant pathogens. Anaerobic organisms were isolated in 75% of 30 cases. Aside from group A streptococci, anaerobes play a major etiologic role in peritonsillar abscess. Penicillins or cephalosporins will provide maximum chemotherapeutic benefit.