Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Microbial Epidemiology of Oral and Maxillofacial Space Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(27.09% vs. 8.13% in nondiabetics). Antimicrobial resistance was lowest for levofloxacin (11.03%) and cephalosporins (16.83%), and highest for gentamicin (39.66%) and erythromycin (39.35%). The microbiological landscape and antimicrobial resistance patterns were influenced by multiple factors, including infection source, diabetic status, diagnostic methods, national income level, and temporal trends. Incorporating these variables with local antimicrobial surveillance data can support more targeted and effective empirical therapy. Well-designed, representative studies across diverse settings are urgently needed to optimize antimicrobial use amid rising resistance.