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Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue
07:38

Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue

Published on: June 14, 2020

Selected bacterial recovery in Trinidadian children with chronic tonsillar disease

Lexley Maureen Pinto Pereira1, Solaiman Juman2, Isaac Bekele3

  • 1Dr (Professor of Pharmacology).

Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
|July 8, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Tonsil surfaces in children harbor more streptococci than tonsil cores, especially alpha-hemolytic strains. Older children show higher carriage of beta-hemolytic streptococci and Streptococcus pyogenes on tonsil surfaces.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Pharyngotonsillitis is a common childhood illness frequently treated with antibiotics.
  • Understanding the microflora of the tonsils is crucial for managing recurrent infections and optimizing treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the bacterial microflora present on the surface and within the core of tonsils in children undergoing elective adenotonsillectomy.
  • To compare the recovery rates and types of bacteria from tonsil surfaces versus tonsil cores.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective bacteriological culture and identification of bacteria from tonsil surface and core samples.
  • 102 Trinidadian children's tonsils were analyzed between 2005-2006.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to compare recovery rates and concordance between surface and core samples.

Main Results:

  • A total of 800 bacterial isolates were identified, with Streptococcus spp. (51.3%) and Staphylococcus spp. (42.3%) being the most prevalent.
  • Streptococci, particularly alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus, were recovered more frequently from tonsil surfaces (82.2%) than from cores (63.3%).
  • Older children (6-16 years) exhibited higher yields of beta-hemolytic streptococci and Streptococcus pyogenes compared to younger children (1-5 years).

Conclusions:

  • Tonsil surfaces demonstrate higher carriage rates for streptococci, including alpha-hemolytic strains, compared to tonsil cores.
  • Age is a significant factor, with older children showing increased colonization by beta-hemolytic streptococci and Streptococcus pyogenes.
  • Further research into the mechanisms of streptococcal adhesion in Trinidadian children is recommended.
Abstract

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