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Published on: June 14, 2020

The microbiology of tonsils in khamis civil hospital, saudi arabia

Mohammed S Al Ahmary1, Ali S Al Mastour, Wagih M Ghnnam

  • 1ENT and Neck Surgery Department, Khamis Mushayte General Hospital, Saudi Arabia.

ISRN Otolaryngology
|June 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This study identified Staphylococcus aureus and Group B Streptococcus as the primary bacterial causes of tonsillitis requiring surgery in Khamis Civil Hospital. Effective antibiotic treatment should target these common Gram-positive cocci.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Tonsillitis is a prevalent infection across all age groups, particularly in children under five.
  • The specific microorganisms responsible for tonsillitis exhibit geographical variation.
  • Identifying local causative agents is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the predominant microbial pathogens causing tonsillitis in patients undergoing tonsillectomy at Khamis Civil Hospital.
  • To guide empirical antibiotic therapy based on local etiological data.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 52 patients undergoing tonsillectomy at Khamis Civil Hospital, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Bacterial cultures (aerobic and anaerobic) were performed on swabs from the tonsillar surfaces.
  • Standard microbiological techniques were employed for organism identification.

Main Results:

  • Positive bacterial cultures were obtained from approximately 65% of the patients.
  • The most frequently isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (44.1%) and Group B Streptococcus (35.3%).
  • Gram-negative bacteria, including Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.82%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.94%), were less common. No anaerobes were detected.

Conclusions:

  • Gram-positive cocci, specifically Staphylococcus aureus and Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae), are the principal etiological agents of surgically treated tonsillitis in this region.
  • Current antibiotic regimens for tonsillitis should prioritize coverage against these identified Gram-positive pathogens.

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