A Review on Abscess Pathophysiology, Types, Developmental Stages, and Novel Techniques for Healing

Abstract

An abscess refers to a local accumulation of pus in the form of an abscess in the tissues or organs following infection or injury by microbes. It is an immune reaction of the host to limit infection by the immune system, which usually results in tissue damage and systemic problems in the event of untreated infection. The pathogenesis of an abscess is a complicated process of interaction between pathogenic agents and the immune forces of the host body, which leads to inflammation, necrosis, and encapsulation. Different abscesses, such as cutaneous, periodontal, pulmonary, hepatic, and intracranial abscesses, have diverse clinical manifestations and severity, even though they exhibit similar pathophysiological processes. The process follows a series of steps, namely, initiation, suppuration, encapsulation, rupture, and resolution. Old methods of management like incision, drainage, and antibiotic treatment are still in use, although new methods have emerged that target accelerated and more effective healing, such as nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, photodynamic therapy, focused ultrasound (histotripsy), and regenerative biomaterials. The review addresses the mechanisms, pathophysiology, significant types, the stages of development, and the current developments in the treatment of the abscess, with an emphasis on the necessity of the integration of classical microbiology with modern biomedical innovations to achieve better patient outcomes.