Revista de otología y rinología

Current Bacteriology and Antibiotic Management of Acute Suppurative Parotitis in the Hospitalized Patient: A Retrospective Study and Literature Review

Mark W Steehler, Andrew W Agnew and Jack B Anon

Current Bacteriology and Antibiotic Management of Acute Suppurative Parotitis in the Hospitalized Patient: A Retrospective Study and Literature Review

Background: Acute bacterial suppurative parotitis warrants prompt diagnosis and efficacious treatment with empiric broad spectrum antibiotics and maintenance of hydration. Patients can quickly deteriorate leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Bacterial parotitis has increasingly shown resistance to many traditionally recommended empiric antimicrobial agents.

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze empiric treatment for patients hospitalized with acute bacterial suppurative parotitis.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted over a one year time period on all patients hospitalized with acute bacterial suppurative parotitis, analyzing patient demographics, bacterial cultures, and antibiotic sensitivities.

Findings: Nine patients were identified over a one year time period hospitalized with acute bacterial suppurative parotitis. Fourteen cultures were isolated made up of eight unique bacterial species. Staphylococcus aureus made up 43% (6/14) of all pathogenic bacteria, four of which were methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus. Three patients in the cohort failed antibiotic treatment at some point due to bacterial resistance. Multi-drug resistant organisms made up 75% (6/8) of all isolates in which sensitivities were obtained.

Conclusion: As multidrug-resistant organisms, specifically Staphylococcus aureus, continue to become more prevalent, empiric antibiotics must be appropriately selected to treat for these organisms until culture and sensitivity results become available.