peritonsillar abscess

(noun)

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA), also called a quinsy, or abbreviated as a PTA, is a recognized complication of tonsillitis. It consists of a collection of pus beside the tonsil in what is referred to as Peritonsilar space (Peri - meaning surrounding).

Related Terms

Examples of peritonsillar abscess in the following topics:

  • Fusobacteria

    • Once this sore develops into a peritonsillar abscess, the pocket is filled with pus and bacteria in close proximity to the tonsils.
    • At this point, bacteria which are capable of thriving in anaerobic conditions, such as Fusobacterium necrophorum can flourish deep in the abscess.

  • Pharyngitis

    • Occasionally, however, these bacteria can create a peritonsillar abscess.
    • In 1 out of 400 untreated cases, Lemierre's syndrome can occur as a result of these abscesses.

  • Lymphogranuloma Venereum

    • These changes can further progress to necrosis, abscesses and fistulas.
    • Sometimes drainage of the buboes or abscesses is performed as well.

  • The Diagnostic Scheme

    • In practice most minor infectious diseases such as warts, cutaneous abscesses, respiratory system infections and diarrheal diseases are diagnosed by their clinical presentation.
    • The images are useful in detection of, for example, a bone abscess or a spongiform encephalopathy produced by a prion.

  • Listeriosis

    • In the advent of listeriosis, bacteremia should be treated for two weeks, meningitis for three weeks, and brain abscess for at least six weeks.

  • Coccidiomycosis

    • The disseminated form of Valley Fever can devastate the body, causing skin ulcers, abscesses, bone lesions, severe joint pain, heart inflammation, urinary tract problems, meningitis, and often death.

  • Factors that Affect Germicidal Activity of Chemicals

    • A triarylmethane dye still widely used as 1% ethanol solution in Eastern Europe and ex-USSR countries for treatment of small wounds and abscesses.