Anthrax: ENT manifestations and current concepts.

In light of recent events, anthrax has once again taken center stage in the world of science and the world in which we live. Because patients with anthrax may initially present to otolaryngology clinics, it is important for the otolaryngologist to know how to diagnose and treat this entity. This article will present current information on epidemiology, microbiology, pathogenesis/clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment with a particular interest in the head and neck region.

Use of bacteriologic studies in the outpatient management of peritonsillar abscess.

Objective: To examine whether obtaining bacterial Gram stain and aerobic/anaerobic cultures alters management of patients with peritonsillar abscess.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Materials And Methods: A total of 221 cases of suspected peritonsillar abscess from July 1990 to February 1999 were analyzed with regard to outcomes and management patterns of those who had bacteriologic studies performed and those who did not.