Comparison of sensitivity of bacteria isolated in odontogenic infections to ceftriaxone and amoxicillin-clavulanate

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic infections is a cause of mortality and morbidity in maxillofacial patients. This is largely due to resistance of organisms to antibiotics prescribed. OBJECTIVES: To isolate organisms involved in odontogenic infections and compare the sensitivity of the organisms to Ceftriaxone and Amoxicillin-Clavulanate. METHODS: The causative organisms and antibiotic sensitivity were determined by the following steps: Aspiration of pus done with needle, sample of pus or exudate collected using sterile swab if aspiration was unsuccessful and specimen were placed in transport media (thioglycolatebroth) and sent immediately to microbiology laboratory for culture of organisms and antibiotic sensitivity. RESULTS: Out of a total 55 samples taken for bacteriology, 42 (76.4%) yielded positive culture for bacteria. A total number of 21 bacteria species were identified from the positive cultures. Overall, 52% of isolated organisms were sensitive to amoxicillin-clavulanate, 70% were sensitive to Ceftriaxone while 24% were resistant to both antibiotics (Table 3). Ceftriaxone was statistically significantly more potent in inhibiting bacteria growth than amoxicillin-clavulanate (P =0.009).