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Paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with tonsil colonisation by Streptococcus pyogenes
Elisa Viciani1, Francesca Montagnani2,3, Simona Tavarini1
1GSK Vaccines S.r.l., Via Fiorentina, 1 53100 Siena, Italy.
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is linked to pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). GAS
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common condition in children.
- The role of bacterial infections in OSAS pathogenesis is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between group A Streptococcus (GAS) and pediatric OSAS.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of GAS involvement in OSAS.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of GAS presence in tonsillectomized OSAS patients and healthy controls.
- In vitro study of GAS supernatant effects on tonsil mononuclear cells (TMCs).
- Investigation of signaling pathways involved in GAS-induced CysLTs production.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between GAS and pediatric OSAS (p < 0.0001).
- Streptolysin O (SLO)-producing GAS induced cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) production in TMCs.
- CysLTs promoted proliferation of CD4+ T and B lymphocytes via TLR4/TRIF/MyD88/p38 MAPK pathway.
Conclusions:
- GAS may contribute to pediatric tonsillar hyperplasia in OSAS through SLO-induced CysLTs production.
- This mechanism could explain the observed association between GAS and pediatric OSAS.
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