Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness
12:21

A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness

Published on: September 28, 2022

Chronic pharyngitis: role of atypical organisms: a case control study from South India

P Naina1, Shalini Anandan, Suma Susan Mathews

  • 1Department of ENT, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. naina.emmanuel@yahoo.com

Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery : Official Journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
|August 14, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection is linked to chronic pharyngitis in India. This study found higher C. pneumoniae antibody levels in patients with persistent throat pain, suggesting it as a potential cause.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Western studies implicate bacteria like Chlamydophila pneumoniae in chronic pharyngitis.
  • Limited data exists on chronic pharyngitis causes in India.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate potential etiological agents of chronic pharyngitis in India.
  • To explore the role of C. pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective case-control study involving 343 adults with persistent throat symptoms.
  • Serological testing (IgA, IgG) for C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae.
  • Aerobic and anaerobic cultures of posterior pharyngeal swabs.

Main Results:

  • Chronic pharyngitis cases showed a 3.43-fold increased odds of being seropositive for C. pneumoniae (P = .001).
  • M. pneumoniae and aerobic bacteria were not significant etiological agents.
  • Fusobacterium spp. were isolated more frequently in controls than in cases.

Conclusions:

  • An association exists between IgA antibodies to C. pneumoniae and chronic pharyngitis.
  • Further research with specific tests and long-term follow-up is recommended.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
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 Pharyngitis01:23

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
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,...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...