Ahmed, Sumaya2018-08-072018-08-072018https://hdl.handle.net/10539/25253A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Medicine in Otorhinolaryngology, Johannesburg, 2018This study is a seven year (01/07/08 - 30/06/15) retrospective review of the microbiology of deep neck infections in 52 adult patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath academic hospital. Micro-organisms isolated from patients with deep neck infections were analysed, including their antibiotic susceptibility patterns. The effectiveness of empiric usage of amoxicillin – clavulanic acid against commonly identified microbes and recommended alternative antibiotic usage were reviewed.The register records of 70 microscopy, culture, and antibiotic sensitivity results of specimens taken intraoperatively, in patients with deep neck infections who underwent surgical intervention, were analysed. Aerobic identified gram negative bacilli and streptococcus species; and anaerobic Prevotella, were the most frequently isolated microorganisms. Microbial sensitivity and resistance to amoxicillin – clavulanic acid was reported in 15% (n = 8) of patients with deep neck infections. Hence, the effectiveness of empiric usage of amoxicillin – clavulanic acid, against microbes commonly involved in deep neck infections in adults at Chris Hani Baragwanath academic hospital; cannot be proved nor disproved and is thus recommended as an option; alternative empiric antibiotic usage likewise cannot be recommended. Further periodic surveillance of microbial profiles and associated antimicrobial susceptibility results, in larger population samples of patients with deep neck infections; utilizing standardized protocols, is suggested.enDeep Neck InfectionsMicrobiologyThesis