ANTBIOTIC RESISTANCE OF DENTAL ABSCESS INFECTION IN PAEDODONTIC PATIENTS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE DENTAL HOSPITAL

Background: Dental abscesses are a common infection in paedodontic patients and are often managed with antibiotics in conjunction with dental interventions. However, the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance presents a significant challenge in effective treatment, leading to prolonged infections, complications, and increased healthcare burden. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the patterns of antibiotic resistance in bacterial isolates from dental abscesses in paedodontic patients attending Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences & Hospital. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 3 months. Paedodontic patients presenting with clinical signs of dental abscesses were included. Pus samples were aseptically collected and cultured for bacterial isolation. Identified isolates underwent antibiotic susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method following CLSI guidelines. Results: In the 25 samples collected, revealed the presence of multiple microorganisms, with a total of 25 isolates identified. Streptococcus oralis/mitis was the most prevalent organism, accounting for 6 isolates (24% of the total). Other significant organisms included Staphylococcus hominis, Klebsiella pnaeumoniae, Citrobacter koseri, Peribacillus simplex, and Enterobacter cloacae, each contributing 3 isolates (12% each). Additionally, Enterobacter aerogens and Bacillus altitudinis were identified, each comprising 2 isolates (8% each). Conclusion: The study highlights a concerning level of antibiotic resistance among pathogens causing dental abscesses in children. These findings underscore the necessity for culture-guided antibiotic therapy and the development of local antibiotic stewardship protocols to prevent the escalation of resistance and ensure optimal patient outcomes.