A retrospective study of peritonsillar abscess before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

[Background and Objective] The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes in lifestyles, and preventative measures against infections (for example, the use of face masks) are widely recommended globally. In this retrospective study, we focused on peritonsillar abscesses and investigated the changes in clinical features associated with otolaryngological infectious disorders before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Materials] We investigated 80 patients diagnosed with a peritonsillar abscess at our hospital between 2018 and 2020 and categorized patients into pre- and post-COVID-19 groups. Clinical characteristics, as well as blood test and bacterial culture test results were evaluated.

[Result] The pre-COVID-19 group included 65 patients, and the post-COVID-19 group included 15 patients who were diagnosed peritonsillar abscess at their initial visit. We observed statistically significant intergroup differences in white blood cell counts and the distribution of white blood cells; however, other parameters including days of hospitalization did not show any statistically significant differences. Bacterial culture test results showed reduced numbers of aerobic bacteria.

[Conclusion] This study highlights that the clinical features of peritonsillar abscess did not change significantly between the pre- and post-COVID-19 period. However, results of culture tests may indicate a decrease in the number of peritonsillar abscess cases caused by aerobic bacteria.