Abstract

Background: Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a deep infection in the neck that develops and results in pus accumulation between the tonsil and its capsule. It is the most common site of deep neck space infection. The aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiology and seasonal variation of peritonsillar abscess.
Methodology: This retrospective study included reviewing of medical records of patients with a peritonsillar abscess at Bahrain Defence Force Hospital—Royal Medical Services, Bahrain between January 2012 to November 2018. The analysis of collected data was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program.
Results: This study included 40 patients with PTA, 55% were males, Tonsillitis and peritonsillar recurrence were found in 17.5% and 7.5% of patients, respectively. Mono-microbial growth was found among 45% of patients. Seasonal variation and months of the year had no significant effect on the incidence of PTA (p = 0.23, 0.26), respectively.
Conclusion: PTA is not a direct suppurative complication of recurrent acute tonsillitis. The incidence of the peritonsillar abscess was not affected by the seasonal variations or the months of the year.

Key words: Peritonsillar abscess, epidemiology, variation, Bahrain.