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Published on: May 8, 2013
Detection of Bacterial Biofilms in Chronic Pharyngitis Resistant to Medical Treatment
Hatem Badran1, Mohamad Salah2, Mohamed Fawzy3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt Hatembadran@hotmail.com.
Insights
Adenoids serve as a bacterial reservoir, promoting chronic infections and complications in children due to biofilm formation. Assessing biofilm-forming capacity is a feasible and inexpensive diagnostic approach.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Adenoid hypertrophy is common in children, often associated with recurrent infections.
- The role of adenoids as a persistent source of bacterial pathogens requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate adenoids as a potential reservoir for bacterial infections in children undergoing adenoidectomy.
- To assess the presence and capacity of bacterial biofilm formation on adenoid tissues.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 35 children with adenoid hypertrophy undergoing adenoidectomy or related procedures.
- Surgical specimens were analyzed for bacterial culture and biofilm formation using spectrophotometry.
- Biofilm-forming capacity (BFC) was quantified and categorized.
Main Results:
- Bacterial growth was detected in 31 of 35 specimens, with *Haemophilus influenzae* being predominant.
- A significant majority (32 specimens) demonstrated bacterial biofilm-forming capacity.
- Commonly identified bacteria included *H. influenzae*, *Staphylococcus aureus*, and *Streptococcus pneumoniae*.
Conclusions:
- Adenoids function as a bacterial reservoir, facilitated by biofilm formation, contributing to chronic infections and complications.
- The assessment of bacterial biofilm-forming capacity is a practical, cost-effective method.
- This method can aid in understanding the pathogenesis of adenoid-related infections and guide treatment.
Objective:
To evaluate the role played by adenoids as a reservoir for infection in children assigned for adenoidectomy.
Methodology:
The study included 35 children with adenoid hypertrophy. All patients underwent clinical examination and adenoidectomy, adenotonsillectomy, or myringotomy with insertion of aeration tube according to indications. Surgical specimens were processed for conventional bacterial culture examination and to assay for biofilm formation. The obtained adherence values using spectrophotometer at 595 nm (OD595) was used to classify isolates according to its biofilm forming capacity.
Results:
We did adenotonsillectomy and myringotomy with insertion of aeration tube in 5 patients having adenotonsillitis with otitis media with effusion. We did adenotonsillectomy in 12 patients having adenotonsillitis and adenoidectomy in 18 patients having adenoid hypertrophy. Thirty-one surgical specimens showed bacterial growth on conventional media, while 4 specimens failed to give growth. The predominant organism was H influenzae then Staph aureus and Strept pneumoniae. Thirty-two specimens showed biofilm forming capacity (BFC) of variable extent, while others showed no BFC.
Conclusion:
Adenoids act as a bacterial reservoir secondary to bacterial biofilm formation so could induce chronicity and initiate development of complications. Determination of BFC using the proposed protocol is feasible, inexpensive, and available and spares the need for sophisticated instruments or approaches.
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Related Concept Videos
01:29Biofilms
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
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,...
01:29Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
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: