Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Dynamics of nasopharyngitis in children
1Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
Purpose:
Our goal was to characterize the dynamics and bacterial interaction of the aerobic and anaerobic flora of nasal discharge of children at different stages of uncomplicated nasopharyngitis.
Methods And Patients:
Serial semiquantitative nasopharyngeal (NP) and quantitative nasal discharge (ND) cultures were taken every 3 to 5 days from 20 children in whom purulent discharge eventually developed (group 1), and a single culture was obtained from a group of 20 who had only clear discharge (group 2).
Results:
Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were isolated from all NP cultures. Bacterial growth was present in 8 (40%) NDs of group 2. Only 7 (35%) of the clear NDs of group 1 showed bacterial growth; the number increased to 14 (70%) at the mucoid stage and 20 (100%) at the purulent stage. It declined to 6 (30%) at the final clear stage. The number of species and total number of organisms increased in the NDs of group 1. Group 1 patients had higher recovery rates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae in their NP cultures than group 2 patients (P < 0.05). During the purulent stage, Peptostreptococcus species were isolated in 15 (75%), Fusobacterium species in 10 (50%), Prevotella species in 9 (45%), H influenzae in 8 (40%), S pneumoniae in 6 (30%), and beta-hemolytic streptococci in 5 (25%) of group 1 NDs. This was higher than their recovery in the clear stages of both groups and the mucoid stage of group 1. A total of 8 organisms capable of interfering with the growth of potential pathogens were isolated from the NPs of group 1, as compared with 35 from group 2 (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
The development of purulent nasopharyngitis is associated with the pre-existing presence of potential pathogens and the absence of interfering organisms.
More Related Videos
11:54Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
Published on: January 21, 2018
09:03Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Tonsillitis II: Management
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Viral Meningitis
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease