Are biofilms present in deep neck abscesses?
Reviewed by Patrick Spielmann

Why are some cervical abscesses resistant to antibiotic treatment? The authors postulate that a biofilm develops to allow the bacteria to overcome normal host defences. They investigated the micro-environment of deep neck abscesses in a largely paediatric cohort. Biopsies of abscess walls were taken and processed for electron microscopy scanning. Twelve of 14 demonstrated cocci and rods embedded in a 3-dimensional matrix – all features of a biofilm. This may explain why so many abscesses, particularly large ones, are difficult to treat with antibiotics alone.

Potential role of biofilms in deep cervical abscess.
May JG, Shah P, Sachdeva L, et al.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY
2014;78:10-13.