skip to main content

Dentoalveolar Abscess Microbiology — NDEB AFK MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateBiomedical SciencesDentoalveolar Abscess MicrobiologyNDEB AFK

Which organism is most commonly isolated from an acute dentoalveolar abscess?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: EStreptococcus viridans group (including S. anginosus)

Acute dentoalveolar abscesses are typically polymicrobial infections dominated by viridans group streptococci (particularly the S. anginosus/milleri group), along with obligate anaerobes (Prevotella, Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus). S. anginosus group organisms are notable for their tendency to form abscesses. The infection is endogenous (from the patient's own oral flora), not from environmental organisms.

Reference: Hupp – Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 7th ed., 2019