[Incidence of alpha-streptococcus having inhibitory activity against beta-streptococcus in patients with tonsillitis]

Inhibitory activity against the proliferation of group A beta-streptococci by alpha-streptococci, part of the normal flora of the oral cavity and throat, plays a role in host defense against infection. We speculated that there might be some relationship between alteration of oral flora and the presence of recurring tonsillitis. Accordingly, 141 cases of tonsillitis have been investigated for the detection of inhibitory alpha-streptococci. In patients scheduled for tonsillectomy, the mean number of inhibitory alpha-streptococci was preoperatively decreased and postoperatively increased. In patients in whom beta-streptococcus had been detected (including patients scheduled for tonsillectomy), the mean number of inhibitory alpha-streptococci was markedly decreased, indicating a high incidence of beta-streptococci in patients with tonsillitis. As inhibitory strains of alpha-streptococcus are sensitive to almost all antibiotics, it is suggested that chemotherapy may disrupt the normal flora of the throat. In summary, investigation of the oral cavity and the throat for the detection of inhibitory alpha-streptococcus appear to be useful in the management of group A beta-streptococcal infection.