Impact of public health measures during the Covid-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of pharyngeal abscess.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated public health measures (shielding) altered the circulation of respiratory infections. However, their impact on pharyngeal abscess remains poorly documented. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to assess the progression in the number of pharyngeal abscess cases between March 2018 and February 2024. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center study compared the periods before, during and after the implementation of shielding measures. Demographic, clinical, therapeutic, and bacteriological data were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty patients with pharyngeal abscess were included. A significant increase in cases was observed after the lifting of shielding. We also identified a higher rate of surgical management and a predominance of Streptococcus pyogenes after the measures were lifted. CONCLUSION: Shielding measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic affected not only the number of pharyngeal abscess cases but also their management and bacteriological profile.