Background: Deep neck space infections (DNIs) continue to be a serious challenge largely owing to difficulties underlying prompt diagnosis and treatment. We evaluated the clinical presentations and etiological profile of DNIs. Methods: Evaluation of clinical data was performed on 56 consecutive patients presenting with symptoms and signs indicative of deep neck infections. Results: DNIs were predominant in the age group of 11 to 20 years and submandibular space was the commonest site involved. Swelling/Neck mass (58.9%) was the most common presentation followed by fever (46.4%). Aerobic pathogens were predominant, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most commonly recovered agent. Conclusion: DNIs are polymicrobial in nature. The variability of etiological agents range from aerobic gram positive cocci and gram negative bacilli to anaerobic gram positive cocci and gram negative bacilli.
