Salivary gland infections are found in at least 1% of the global population, and can be caused by bacterial, viral, and other sources. Salivary gland infections generally have similar features on presentation, although further investigation often reveals the distinct features that distinguish each type and offer clues as to their management. Some are acute in nature and need only palliative or pharmacologic care, while often the pathology is of a long-standing disease requiring more complex and, when appropriate, surgical intervention utilizing the latest technology and rehabilitation to regain function. It is our goal that this issue will become a valued resource that will allow practitioners to review, and if necessary, use as a reference when encountering salivary gland infection pathology.

The organization of this issue begins with bacterial infections, specifically the microbiology. The middle section focuses on viral infections, epidemiology, and pediatric salivary gland infections. The final article is a review of the different diseases in case-presentation format, and provides reinforcement of the principles iterated in each article.