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Published on: November 6, 2019
Relation between peritonsillar infection and acute tonsillitis: myth or reality?
Sofia Kordeluk1, Lena Novack, Moshe Puterman
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Soroka Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University of Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. SofiaKo2@clalit.org.il
Summary
Peritonsillar infections like abscess (PTA) and cellulitis (PTC) do not consistently follow acute tonsillitis (AT) outbreaks. These infections may originate from Weber glands or other causes, not solely complications of AT.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Peritonsillar infections, including peritonsillar abscess (PTA) and peritonsillar cellulitis (PTC), are common clinical conditions.
- The relationship between acute tonsillitis (AT) and the development of peritonsillar infections requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological relationship between tonsillar infections (AT) and peritonsillar infections (PTA/PTC).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective population-based study and case series review.
- Analysis of hospitalization data for PTA and PTC (2004-2008).
- Comparison with weekly incidence data of community-diagnosed acute tonsillitis (AT).
Main Results:
- A total of 685 patients with PTA (467) or PTC (218) were identified.
- Incidence of AT peaked in winter months, while PTA and PTC rates remained consistent year-round.
- Peritonsillar infections did not show a 1-2 week lag following AT peaks, but rather a same-week association (P = .04).
Conclusions:
- The study did not find higher rates of PTA or PTC following AT outbreaks.
- Findings suggest peritonsillar infections may arise from causes other than AT complications, potentially involving Weber glands or unknown factors.
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