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Psoriasis, chronic tonsillitis, and biofilms: Tonsillar pathologic findings supporting a microbial hypothesis
Herbert B Allen1, Saagar Jadeja, Rina M Allawh
1Department of Dermatology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 219 N. Broad St., 4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. hba25@drexel.edu.
Biofilms, potentially caused by Group A Streptococcus, may play a role in psoriasis pathogenesis. Their presence in tonsils suggests a link, especially when combined with the PSORS gene, offering new insights into this skin condition.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Group A Streptococcus is a suspected cause of psoriasis.
- Psoriasis patients often show improvement after tonsillectomy.
- Group A Streptococcus is difficult to detect using traditional methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of biofilms in tonsillar tissues of psoriasis patients.
- To compare biofilm presence in psoriasis patients versus controls with chronic tonsillitis.
Main Methods:
- Pathologic examination of tonsillectomy specimens from 10 psoriasis patients and 10 controls.
- Analysis of both extra- and intracellular locations for biofilms.
Main Results:
- Biofilms were detected in all examined tonsillectomy specimens, including controls.
- Findings suggest biofilms are common in tonsillar tissues, irrespective of psoriasis status.
Conclusions:
- Biofilms may contribute to psoriasis, particularly in conjunction with the PSORS gene.
- This study supports a microbial role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
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