Asunto(s)
Dolor Abdominal/parasitología , Fasciola hepatica/aislamiento & purificación , Fascioliasis/diagnóstico , Absceso Hepático/diagnóstico , Absceso Hepático/parasitología , Anciano , Animales , Antiparasitarios/uso terapéutico , Colangiografía , Fasciola hepatica/efectos de los fármacos , Fascioliasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Femenino , Humanos , Absceso Hepático/tratamiento farmacológico , Náusea/parasitología , Nitrocompuestos , Praziquantel/uso terapéutico , Tiazoles/uso terapéutico , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To perform a multifactorial exploration of the aetiology of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) in adults, in order to develop greater clinical understanding of the condition and improve management. DESIGN: A literature review exploring key pathogens, predisposing host factors and current pathogenic hypotheses. METHODS: A PubMed search for articles published between January 1980 and January 2012 using the terms 'peritonsillar abscess AND microbiology', 'peritonsillar abscess AND pathophysiology' and 'peritonsillar abscess AND etiology'. RESULTS: Major pathogens in PTA are opportunistic microflora. Group A streptococcal PTA infections present differently from polymicrobial PTA. A number of host factors influence the conditions required for the pathogenesis of PTA. CONCLUSIONS: PTA is clinically distinct from acute tonsillitis and occurs in people with a chronic underlying susceptibility. Targeting host factors, including oral hygiene, antibiotic use and smoking, may prevent PTA. Re-education of clinicians concerning the aetiology of PTA is necessary for appropriate disease management.
