Most common deep infection of the head and neck in adults.
Most common in people 20-40 years of age.
Chronic tonsillitis or multiple trials of oral antibiotics may predispose patients to the development of peritonsillar abscess.
For most abscess a mix of aerobic and anaerobic organisms cause the infection.
The most common aerobic organism is Streptococcus pyogenes and the most common anaerobic organism is fusibacterium.
The standard for diagnosis is the collection of pus from the abscess through a needle aspiration.
Antibiotics include penicillin, clindamycin, cephalosporins or metronizadole.
Incision and drainage may be necessary in advanced cases.