Mucormycotic osteomyelitis of maxilla post-COVID patient: a case report.

Fungal osteomyelitis is a life-threatening and seldom seen opportunistic infection. It is commonly an affectation of the nose and paranasal sinuses within the orofacial region. It is an aggressive infection that needs to be addressed promptly to prevent fatal consequences. The mode of infection is via the inhalation route and infection begins initially in the nose and paranasal sinuses with subsequent invasion into the vascular tissue, eventually leading to thrombosis and necrosis of nearby hard and soft tissues. Here, we report a case of a 31-year-old male who presented with pain over the upper jaw that was sudden in onset, continuous, dull aching, radiating towards forehead and neck of the left side, aggravates on mastication and relives on its own. He had a history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. On further investigation, using diagnostic and Interventional aids, a final diagnosis of mucormycotic osteomyelitis of the maxilla was made.

Porphyromonas spp., Fusobacterium spp., and Bacteroides spp. dominate microbiota in the course of macropod progressive periodontal disease.

Macropod progressive periodontal disease (MPPD) is a necrotizing, polymicrobial, inflammatory disease commonly diagnosed in captive macropods. MPPD is characterized by gingivitis associated with dental plaque formation, which progresses to periodontitis and then to osteomyelitis of the mandible or maxilla. However, the underlying microbial causes of this disease remain poorly understood. In this study, we collected 27 oral plaque samples and associated clinical records from 22 captive Macropodidae and Potoroidae individuals that were undergoing clinical examination at Adelaide and Monarto Zoos in South Australia (15 healthy, 7 gingivitis and 5 periodontitis-osteomyelitis samples). The V3-V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was sequenced using an Illumina Miseq to explore links between MPPD and oral bacteria in these animals. Compositional differences were detected between the microbiota of periodontitis-osteomyelitis cases compared to healthy samples (p-value with Bonferroni correction < 0.01), as well as gingivitis cases compared to healthy samples (p-value with Bonferroni correction < 0.05) using Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA). An overabundance of Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, and Bacteroides taxa was also identified in animals with MPPD compared to healthy individuals using linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe; p = < 0.05). An increased abundance of Desulfomicrobium also was detected in MPPD samples (LEfSe; p < 0.05), which could potentially reflect differences in disease progression. This is the first microbiota analysis of MPPD in captive macropods, and these results support a polymicrobial pathogenesis of MPPD, suggesting that the microbial interactions underpinning MPPD may be more complex than previously documented.

Intracranial actinomycosis of odontogenic origin masquerading as auto-immune orbital myositis: a fatal case and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Actinomycetes can rarely cause intracranial infection and may cause a variety of complications. We describe a fatal case of intracranial and intra-orbital actinomycosis of odontogenic origin with a unique presentation and route of dissemination. Also, we provide a review of the current literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old man presented with diplopia and progressive pain behind his left eye. Six weeks earlier he had undergone a dental extraction, followed by clindamycin treatment for a presumed maxillary infection. The diplopia responded to steroids but recurred after cessation. The diplopia was thought to result from myositis of the left medial rectus muscle, possibly related to a defect in the lamina papyracea. During exploration there was no abnormal tissue for biopsy. The medial wall was reconstructed and the myositis responded again to steroids. Within weeks a myositis on the right side occurred, with CT evidence of muscle swelling. Several months later he presented with right hemiparesis and dysarthria. Despite treatment the patient deteriorated, developed extensive intracranial hemorrhage, and died. Autopsy showed bacterial aggregates suggestive of actinomycotic meningoencephalitis with septic thromboembolism. Retrospectively, imaging studies showed abnormalities in the left infratemporal fossa and skull base and bilateral cavernous sinus. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, intracranial actinomycosis is difficult to diagnose, with potentially fatal outcome. An accurate diagnosis can often only be established by means of histology and biopsy should be performed whenever feasible. This is the first report of actinomycotic orbital involvement of odontogenic origin, presenting initially as bilateral orbital myositis rather than as orbital abscess. Infection from the upper left jaw extended to the left infratemporal fossa, skull base and meninges and subsequently to the cavernous sinus and the orbits.

Streptococcus chosunense sp. nov., Isolated from Human Postoperative Maxillary Cyst.

A novel facultative anaerobic, non-spore forming, non-motile, and Gram-stain-positive coccus, designated strain ChDC B353T, was isolated from human postoperative maxillary cyst. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rDNA) sequence of the strain was most closely related to those of Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae ATCC BAA-960T (99.4%), Streptococcus mitis NCTC 12261T (99.3%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae NCTC 7465T (99.2%). The major fatty acids of the strain were C16:0 (43.2%) and C18:1 ω6c/C18:1 ω7c (20.2%). The genome of strain ChDC B353T was composed of 1,902,053 bps. The DNA G+C content of the strain was 40.2 mol%. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain ChDC B353T and S. pseudopneumoniae ATCC BAA-960T, S. mitis NCTC 12261T, and S. pneumoniae NCTC 7465T were 91.9%, 93.5%, and 91.3%, respectively. Genome-to-genome distance (GGD) values between strain ChDC B353T and S. pseudopneumoniae ATCC BAA-960T, S. mitis NCTC 12261T, or S. pneumoniae NCTC 7465T were 46.6% (44.0-49.2%), 53.2% (50.5-55.9%), and 46.0% (43.5-48.7%), respectively. The threshold values of ANI and GGD for species discrimination are 95-96% and 70%, respectively. These results reveal that strain ChDC B353T (= KCOM 1699T = JCM 33453T) is a novel species belonging to genus Streptococcus, for which a name of Streptococcus chosunense sp. nov. is proposed.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of a maxillary defect with a bone anchored prosthesis: A clinical report.

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that frequently infects sinuses, brain, or lungs and arises mostly in immunocompromised patients. Although its occurrence in the maxilla is rare, debridement and resection of the infected and necrotic area is often the best treatment but usually results in an extensive maxillary defect. Protocols for prosthetic obturation versus microvascular reconstruction have been established and used effectively in tertiary institutions for patients with such large defects. Aramany Class VI defects involving more than half of the palatal surface can be managed effectively by surgical reconstruction using microvascular free flaps as a platform for supporting bone-anchored prostheses. Providing fixed prostheses may offer advantages over a conventional obturator prosthesis in terms of hygiene, function, and esthetics. Nonetheless, fixed prostheses retained by endosseous implants in patients with reconstructive osteomyocutaneous flaps often require a sequential team approach by the surgeon and prosthodontist. This clinical report describes the reconstruction of a maxilla by using a scapular free flap with subsequent prosthetic rehabilitation in a patient with maxillary sinus infection secondary to mucormycosis.

Chronic non-healing ulcer of the oral cavity: tuberculosis or carcinoma?

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculosis is a chronic granulomatous lesion, which primarily has an affinity for the lungs. It can involve other sites like lymph nodes, kidney, oral cavity. Infection of the oral cavity by M. tuberculosis can be as a Primary infection or as a Secondary infection. Primary presentation of oral tuberculosis is in the form of the chronic non healing ulcer. A Primary infection or an Asymptomatic Secondary infection can impose a great diagnostic dilemma, as it may mimic neoplasia. Here we present a case of a 32-year-old asymptomatic female with secondary infection.

[Rationale for the application of surface-enhanced Raman scattering for identification of main pathogens of purulent-inflammatory diseases in maxillofacial area]. / Obosnovanie primeneniia éffekta gigantskogo ramanovskogo rasseianiia dlia identifikatsii osnovnykh vozbuditelei gnoino-vospalitel'nykh protsessov cheliustno-litsevoi oblasti.

The objective of the research was to elaborate experimental-theoretical and clinic-bacteriological rationale for the application of laser diagnostic for identification of main pathogens of purulent-inflammatory processes in maxillofacial area. For germs identification by giant Raman scattering effect SERS-substrate with nano silver metallic balls, reference strains (Ps. aeruginosa 27853 and S. aureus 25923) and clinical cultures of Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Escherichia coli were used. Using an example of purulent inflammation pathogens we considered that each of bacterial species is characterized by individual spectral lines of Raman scattering, which allows to identify them in short term (1-2 min). Moreover the proposed method is highly sensitive (105-106 CFU/ml). Creation of germs library and device portability makes use of laser diagnostic for express-indication purulent infections possible directly in clinical conditions. Thus, analytical capability, quick result, high sensitivity and peculiarity, economical effectiveness due to lack of necessity to use growth medium and to transport it to microbiological lab gives an opportunity to consider laser diagnostic as a perspective universal express-method of clinical microbiology.

Complicaciones infecciosas severas del territorio maxilofacial: presentación de casos clínicos / Severe infectious complications of the maxillofacial territory: clinical cases presentation

RESUMEN: Las infecciones en el territorio maxilofacial, son cuadros frecuentes, de origen polimicrobiano, con manifestaciones clínicas muy variables y que están asociadas a múltiples vías de ingreso de los microorganismos al territorio. Un gran porcentaje de estas infecciones se origina en la cavidad oral, principalmente en lesiones bacterianas que sufren los dientes. La compleja anatomía de la cabeza y el cuello, permiten que muchas de estas infecciones se diseminen por espacios profundos, llegando a comprometer órganos o regiones anatómicas adyacentes, que pueden llevar a cuadros clínicos de alto riesgo vital. Los casos clínicos presentados en este artículo corresponden a pacientes tratados en el hospital San Juan de Dios a causa de procesos infecciosos del territorio maxilofacial, por equipos multidisciplinarios.

ABSTRACT: Infections in the maxillofacial territory are frequent cases of polymicrobial origin, with very variable clinical manifestations and are associated with multiple entering pathways of microorganisms in the territory. A large percentage of these infections originate in the oral cavity, mainly in bacterial lesions that undergo experienced by the teeth. The complex anatomy of the head and neck allows many of these infections to spread through deep spaces, leading to compromising adjacent organs or anatomical regions, which can lead to high-risk clinical conditions. The clinical cases presented in this article correspond to patients treated at the San Juan de Dios hospital because of infectious processes of the maxillofacial territory, by multidisciplinary teams.

Odontogenic orbital cellulitis associated with cavernous sinus thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: a case report.

BACKGROUND: This case illustrates the importance of prompt assessment and treatment of orbital cellulitis. In fact the ocular signs and symptoms may be associated with systemic complications which should be investigated and identified as soon as possible to avoid a poor prognosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old white woman presented to our emergency room with proptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and conjunctival chemosis of her left eye. An ophthalmologist, having diagnosed orbital cellulitis in her left eye, suspected a cavernous sinus thrombosis. Hematochemical and radiological examinations confirmed the cavernous sinus thrombosis and also showed septic pulmonary embolism. A blood culture indicated Streptococcus constellatus, which is a member of the Peptostreptococcus family, a saprophyte of the oral mucosa that can be pathogenic in immunocompromised persons. The odontogenic origin was then confirmed by dental radiography which showed a maxillary abscess. Her eye signs regressed after antibiotic and anticoagulant therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This complex case shows the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for the management of orbital cellulitis, for the prompt diagnosis and treatment of eye injuries and possible complications, so as to avoid serious and permanent sequelae.

Case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a HIV-infected patient revealed by nasal involvement with maxillary osteolysis.

BACKGROUND: Disseminated Histoplasmosis (DH) is a rare manifestation of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in European countries. Naso-maxillar osteolysis due to Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum (Hcc) is unusual in endemic countries and has never been reported in European countries. Differential diagnoses such as malignant tumors, cocaine use, granulomatosis, vasculitis and infections are more frequently observed and could delay and/or bias the final diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of an immunocompromised patient infected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) with naso-maxillar histoplasmosis in a non-endemic country. Our aim is to describe the clinical presentation, the diagnostic and therapeutic issues. A 53-year-old woman, originated from Haiti, was admitted in 2016 for nasal deformation with alteration of general condition evolving for at least 6 months. HIV infection was diagnosed in 2006 and classified at AIDS stage in 2008 due to cytomegalovirus infection associated with pulmonary histoplasmosis. At admission, CD4 cell count was 9/mm3. Surgical biopsies were performed and ruled out differential or associated diagnoses. Mycological cultures identified Hcc and Blood Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for Hcc was positive. The patient was given daily Amphothericin B liposomal infusion during 1 month. Hcc PCR became negative in the blood under treatment, and then oral switch by itraconazole was introduced. Antiretroviral treatment was reintroduced after a 3-week histoplasmosis treatment. Normalization of naso-maxillar mucosa enabled a palatal prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Naso-maxillar histoplasmosis is extremely rare; this is the first case ever reported in a non-endemic country. Differential diagnoses must be ruled out by conducting microbiologic tools and histological examinations on surgical biopsies. Early antifungal treatment should be initiated in order to prevent DH severe outcomes.

Epidemiology of Oral and Maxillofacial Infections.

Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most common dental infections and are constantly increasing worldwide. Distribution, occurrence of dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, odontogenic infections, antibiotic resistance, oral mucosal infections, and microbe-related oral cancer are important to understand the public impact and methods of controlling such disease. Distribution of human papilloma virus and human immunodeficiency virus -related oral cancers in the US population is presented.

Pathophysiology of sinusitis of odontogenic origin.

Sinusitis of odontogenic origin, which is frequently encountered in routine otolaryngological and dental clinical practice, has been described as a reactive maxillary inflammation secondary to maxillary tooth infection or trauma to an odontogenic disease of maxillary bone, dental extractions, implant placement, or endodontic treatment impairing the integrity of the Schneiderian membrane. The aim of the present review was to investigate and discuss the most recent pathophysiological findings, predisposing odontogenic factors, microbiology, and the possible involvement of bacterial biofilms (BB) in the development of sinusitis. The narrative literature review showed that there might be a correlation between the bacteria present in pathological teeth in communication with the sinus and those found in infected sinus. The formation of a BB might be also involved in the etiopathogenesis of sinusitis of odontogenic origin. In conclusion, the true origin of odontogenic sinusitis is still unresolved. In clinical terms, the choice of suitable therapy depends on the characteristics of the biofilm. Further microbiological studies are required to better investigate the role of BB.

Severe falciparum malaria complicated by prolonged haemolysis and rhinomaxillary mucormycosis after parasite clearance: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Severe falciparum malaria may be complicated by prolonged haemolysis and recurrent fever after parasite clearance. However, their respective etiologies are unclear and challenging to diagnose. We report the first case of severe falciparum malaria followed by prolonged haemolytic anaemia and rhinomaxillary mucormycosis in a previously healthy adult male. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year old Bangladeshi man was admitted with severe falciparum malaria complicated by hyperlactataemia and haemoglobinuria. Prior to admission he was treated with intravenous quinine and upon admission received intravenous artesunate and empiric ceftriaxone. Thirty hours later the peripheral parasitaemia cleared with resolution of fever and haemoglobinuria. Despite parasite clearance, on day 3 the patient developed recurrent fever and acute haemolytic anaemia requiring seven blood transfusions over six days with no improvement of his haemoglobin or haemoglobinuria. On day 10, he was treated with high-dose dexamethasone and meropenem with discontinuation of the ceftriaxone. Two days later the haemoglobinuria resolved. Ceftriaxone-induced haemolysis was the suspected final diagnosis. On day 16, the patient had progressively worsening right-sided facial pain and swelling; a necrotic ulceration of the hard palate was observed. Rhinomaxillary mucormycosis was diagnosed supported by microscopy findings. The patient initially responded to treatment with urgent surgical debridement, itraconazole, followed by two weeks of amphotericin B deoxycholate, however was subsequently lost to follow up. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the range of potential alternative aetiologies of acute, prolonged haemolysis and recurrent fever following parasite clearance in severe falciparum malaria. It emphasizes the importance of a high degree of suspicion for alternative causes of haemolysis in order to avoid unnecessary treatments, including blood transfusion and steroids. It is critical to consider and identify common invasive bacterial and rare opportunistic co-infections as a cause of fever in severe malaria patients remaining febrile after parasite clearance to promote antimicrobial stewardship and prompt emergency care.

Aspergillus in endodontic infection near the maxillary sinus / Aspergillus em infecções endodônticas próximas ao seio maxilar

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Diseases of the maxillary sinus have been associated with dental roots near the maxillary sinus that have undergone endodontic treatment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of filamentous fungi in patients with dental roots near the maxillary sinus who had apical periodontitis treated endodontically, and to alert practitioners that this could be a possible avenue of contamination of the sinus in patients who develop maxillary sinus infection. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in 60 palatal roots of the first maxillary molars near the maxillary sinus, that underwent endodontic treatment for apical periodontitis. After removal of the filling material, dentin shavings were collected and placed in test tubes containing Sabouraud dextrose agar and chloramphenicol. The phenotype was determined by macroscopic and microscopic examination of the colonies. For polymerase chain reaction, the primers ITS-5 and ITS-4 were used. The sequences obtained were compared with those deposited at GenBank using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool program. RESULTS: Filamentous fungi were isolated from 6 of 60 canals (10%):Aspergillus niger (6.7%), Aspergillus versicolor (1.6%), and Aspergillus fumigatus(1.6%). CONCLUSION: Root canals near the maxillary sinus with endodontic treatment and apical periodontitis may exhibit positive cultures for filamentous fungi. Interested professionals should be alert, because these microorganisms have pathogenic characteristics that can cause disease of odontogenic origin in the maxillary sinus.

RESUMO Introdução: Doenças do seio maxilar têm sido associadas à raízes com tratamento endodôntico próximas ao seio maxilar. Objetivo: Investigar a presença de fungos filamentosos em raízes com tratamento endodôntico e lesão periapical, próximas ao seio maxilar, alertando para uma possível contaminação do seio maxilar por via odontogênica. Método: Estudo transversal em sessenta raízes palatinas de primeiros molares superiores próximas ao seio maxilar, com tratamento endodôntico e lesão periapical. Após remoção do material obturador, raspas de dentina foram coletadas e inseridas em tubos de ensaio contendo Agar Sabouraud Dextrose e Clorafenicol. O fenótipo foi determinado pela análise macroscópica e microscópica das colônias. Para o PCR utilizou-se iniciadores ITS-5 e ITS-4. As sequencias obtidas foram comparadas as disponíveis no GenBank utilizando Basic Local Alignment Search Tool. Resultados: Fungos filamentosos foram isolados de 6 dos 60 canais (10%):Aspergillus niger (6,7%), Aspergillus versicolor (1,6%) e Aspergillus fumigatus(1,6%). Conclusão: Raízes próximas ao seio maxilar com tratamento endodôntico e lesão periapical, podem apresentar cultura positiva para fungos filamentosos. Profissionais afins devem estar alerta, pois este micro-organismo possuem características de patogenicidade podendo causar doenças no seio maxilar de origem odontogênica.

Aspergillus in endodontic infection near the maxillary sinus.

INTRODUCTION: Diseases of the maxillary sinus have been associated with dental roots near the maxillary sinus that have undergone endodontic treatment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of filamentous fungi in patients with dental roots near the maxillary sinus who had apical periodontitis treated endodontically, and to alert practitioners that this could be a possible avenue of contamination of the sinus in patients who develop maxillary sinus infection. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in 60 palatal roots of the first maxillary molars near the maxillary sinus, that underwent endodontic treatment for apical periodontitis. After removal of the filling material, dentin shavings were collected and placed in test tubes containing Sabouraud dextrose agar and chloramphenicol. The phenotype was determined by macroscopic and microscopic examination of the colonies. For polymerase chain reaction, the primers ITS-5 and ITS-4 were used. The sequences obtained were compared with those deposited at GenBank using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool program. RESULTS: Filamentous fungi were isolated from 6 of 60 canals (10%): Aspergillus niger (6.7%), Aspergillus versicolor (1.6%), and Aspergillus fumigatus (1.6%). CONCLUSION: Root canals near the maxillary sinus with endodontic treatment and apical periodontitis may exhibit positive cultures for filamentous fungi. Interested professionals should be alert, because these microorganisms have pathogenic characteristics that can cause disease of odontogenic origin in the maxillary sinus.

Palatal Mucormycosis in An Infant.

The maxilla rarely undergoes necrosis due to its rich vascularity. Maxillary necrosis can occur due to bacterial infections, viral infections, or fungal infections. Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fulminant fungal infection that mainly infects immunocompromised patients. The fungus invades the arteries, leading to thrombosis that subsequently causes necrosis of hard and soft tissues. The occurrence of mucormycosis is not considered rare in the jaws of adults, but involvement of the maxilla in infants is not usually seen. The purpose of this report is to discuss the diagnosis and management of a rare case of mucormycosis in the palate of a two-month-old boy.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of acquired maxillary defects secondary to mucormycosis: clinical cases.

Maxillary necrosis can occur due to bacterial infections such as osteomyelitis, viral infections, such as herpes zoster or fungal infections, such as mucormycosis, aspergillosis etc. Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection, which mainly infects immunocompromised patients. Once the maxilla is involved, surgical resection and debridement of the necrosed areas can result in extensive maxillary defects. The clinician is to face many a challenge in order to replace not only the missing teeth, but also the lost soft tissues and bone, including hard palate and alveolar ridges. The prosthesis (Obturator) lacks a bony base and the lost structures of the posterior palatal seal area compromise retention of the prosthesis. Furthermore, the post surgical soft tissues are scarred and tense, which exert strong dislodging forces. The present article describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of maxillary necrosis secondary to mucormycosis in two cases, one completely edentulous and the other partially edentulous.

[Pseudo-tumoral Aspergillus rhinosinusitis of dental origin]. / Sinusite aspergillaire d'origine dentaire dans sa forme pseudo-tumorale.

INTRODUCTION: Sinonasal aspergillosis is caused by the interaction between the sinonasal mucosa with a cosmopolite fungus (Aspergillus), it is on the increase, this is an infection whose evolution is unpredictable requiring early diagnosis and appropriate support. We report a case of Aspergillus rhinosinusitis of dental origin in pseudo-tumoral form with a review of the literature. CLINICAL CASE: A 31 years-old, women, consulted for a right nasal obstruction with purulent rhinorrhea after dental treatment. On examination, there was a bulge of the inner canthus of the right eye and a mass in the right nasal cavity. The CT scanner showed a process of the left naso-sinus cavity centered by calcic image density. The patient underwent a total excision of the mass endoscopically. Mycological and pathological examination concluded that the etiology was Aspergillus fumigatus. The patient had not received any antifungal treatment. The postoperative course was uneventful. The evolution was favourable with no recurrence after 9 months. DISCUSSION: Aspergillus rhinosinusitis of dental origin is usually due to the emergence of canalicular filling paste into the maxillary sinus through and oral cavity and sinus fistula, neglected it can progress to invasive pseudo-tumoral form. The clinical presentation is nonspecific and the diagnosis often involves imaging (scanner). Mycological and histological examinations are essential for diagnosis. The treatment is based on surgery sometimes associated with antifungal treatment.

Severe odontogenic infections: causes of spread and their management.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a study designed to investigate the clinical factors correlated with the spread of an odontogenic infection to the deep spaces of the head and neck. We also analyzed the treatment modalities for this and their outcomes. METHODS: The study retrospectively examined all patients admitted in 2009 and 2010 to the General Hospital of Attica "KAT" with maxillofacial infections of odontogenic origin. The patients' case records were reviewed according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and the relevant data were collected. The data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The study involved 212 patients with a mean age of 40.8 y. Of these, 59.9% reported using oral antibiotics, usually (35.4%) without prescription. Moderate or poor oral hygiene was present in 78.3% of the study patients. The percentage of incompatible use of antibiotics due to non-compliance was 13.4%. Non-compliance indicates that these patients failed to follow the daily dosage or the dosing intervals of a prescribed antibiotic or they stopped an antibiotic due to an adverse reaction. Incision and drainage was required in 63.2% of the study patients, and 46.2% required extraction of the tooth responsible for their infection. A statistically significant association was documented between fever on admission and a prolonged hospital stay. No major complications were encountered among the study patients. CONCLUSIONS: Odontogenic infections remain a common cause of morbidity. Poor oral hygiene, self-medication, inadequate utilization of antibiotics, lack of treatment of the causative tooth, delayed presentation at the hospital, and bacterial resistance to empirically administered antibiotics appear to correlate with the spread of odontogenic infections. Incision and the evacuation of pus when indicated, intravenous antibiotic therapy, modification of the antibiotic regimen according to the results of sensitivity tests, and early treatment of the causative tooth constitute a successful management protocol for odontogenic infections.