A 68-year-old man develops acute, painful unilateral parotid swelling three days after major abdominal surgery. The duct orifice is red and expresses purulent saliva. Which organism is the most common cause?
- A Staphylococcus aureus ✓
- B Streptococcus pyogenes
- C Haemophilus influenzae
- D Escherichia coli
Correct answer: A. Staphylococcus aureus
Explanation
Acute bacterial sialadenitis classically occurs in dehydrated, elderly, postoperative patients when reduced salivary flow allows retrograde ascent of oral bacteria up Stensen's duct. Staphylococcus aureus is the most commonly isolated organism. Management includes hydration, sialogogues, massage, and antistaphylococcal antibiotics. Streptococcus viridans and other oral flora are less frequent causes, and gram-negative organisms are uncommon, which rules out the remaining options.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.