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Adherent biofilms in adenotonsillar diseases in children

Khalid A Al-Mazrou1, Abdulaziz S Al-Khattaf

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, PO Box 86118, Riyadh 11622, Saudi Arabia. kalmazrou@gmail.com

Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|January 23, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Biofilms were found on tonsils and adenoids in most children undergoing surgery. Their presence was significantly higher in infected tissues, suggesting a link between biofilms and chronic inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Medicine

Background:

  • Biofilms are microbial communities that can cause persistent infections.
  • Tonsils and adenoids are common sites for recurrent infections and inflammation in children.
  • Understanding biofilm presence in these tissues is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence of biofilms on the epithelial surfaces of tonsils and adenoids in pediatric patients.
  • To determine if biofilm presence correlates with infection or obstruction in these tissues.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study conducted at a tertiary academic hospital.
  • Inclusion of 76 children undergoing adenotonsillectomy (T&A) for infection or obstruction.
  • Assessment of biofilm presence using scanning electron microscopy.

Main Results:

  • Biofilms were detected in 61% of the patients studied.
  • A significantly higher prevalence of biofilms was observed in patients with tonsil and adenoid infections (85%) compared to those with obstruction only (41%).
  • The association between biofilms and infection was statistically significant (P = .01).

Conclusions:

  • Biofilms are frequently present on infected or enlarged tonsils and adenoids in children.
  • The findings indicate a strong association between biofilm formation and chronic inflammation in these tissues.
  • This suggests biofilms may play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis.
Abstract

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