BACKGROUND: Bacterial @entity281 of the head and neck region remain a major public health concern in Nigeria despite the availability and widespread use of antibiotics in the country. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the pattern, aetiology, management and outcome of @entity135 at Ife. METHODS: All consecutive @entity1 who presented with fascial space @entity281 between January 1995 and July 2004 at the Maxillofacial Unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria were admitted into the study. A structured questionnaire was completed for each @entity1 and analyzed in respect of @entity1 ' demographics, source of @entity281 , predisposing factors, location of @entity281 ; treatment and outcome. RESULTS: One hundred and three @entity1 were managed during the study period. There were 55(53.4%) males and 48(46.6%) females with age ranging from 1-85 years. Submandibular space was the most common single space involved followed by the buccal space. The fascial spaces around the mandible were more involved those around the maxillae and scalp for all age groups. Four @entity1 presented with Ludwigs' angina. Odontogenic @entity281 arising from @entity11624 , @entity2521 and @entity23029 caused over 70% of the space @entity281 . Microbial cultures showed mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteriology. Management was by incision and drainage/decompression, removal of the source, use of antibiotics and supportive care. Two deaths were recorded in the course of this study. CONCLUSION: Bacterial @entity281 of the head and neck region remain a major health hazard among Nigerians with spread of @entity281 commonly involving the submandibular and the buccal spaces.

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@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'patient'] @entity135 :: ('MESH:D006258', 'Disease') :: ['head and neck fascial space infections'] @entity23029 :: ('MESH:D010497', 'Disease') :: ['pericoronitis'] @entity281 :: ('MESH:D007239', 'Disease') :: ['infection', 'infections'] @entity11624 :: ('MESH:D011671', 'Disease') :: ['pulpitis'] @entity2521 :: ('MESH:D010518', 'Disease') :: ['periodontitis']
@entity135 :: (MESH:D006258,Disease) :: ['Bacterial infections of the head and neck fascial spaces']
