Parotid Infection

Human tissue is subject to bacterial invasion and the symptomatic sequelae associated with infection. The salivary glands (SG) are not immune to bacterial insult, with the parotid gland (PG) being more susceptible than the other SG. Both the submandibular (SM) and sublingual salivary (SL) glands contain a mucin element in their secretions, while the PG produces a serous secretion. It is the anti-microbial properties of mucin that may be responsible for the elevated resistance to infection of the SM and SL glands. Acute suppurative infection of the glands usually involves the PG with dehydration and hyposalivation in a debilitated patient acting as predisposing factors. Chronic SG infection, usually in the form of a recurrent unilateral PG swelling, seems to originate during a period of decreased salivary flow that favors an orally ascending bacterial invasion of the duct system. Subsequent duct wall damage with scarring and stricturing set the stage for further bacterial incursions and the onset of recurrent glandular swellings.