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The Relationship between Colonization by Moraxella catarrhalis and Tonsillar Hypertrophy
Mirela C M Prates1, Edwin Tamashiro1, José L Proenca-Modena2,3,4
1Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil.
Summary
Potentially pathogenic bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are common in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Moraxella catarrhalis detection in multiple sites correlates with severe hypertrophy, suggesting a role in its development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic adenotonsillar hypertrophy is a common condition in children.
- The role of specific bacterial pathogens in the development and severity of adenotonsillar hypertrophy requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in secretions and tonsillar tissues of children with chronic adenotonsillar hypertrophy compared to controls.
- To explore the association between bacterial detection and the severity of adenotonsillar hypertrophy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective case-control study involving children aged 2-12 years.
- Real-time PCR was used to detect Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
- Samples included palatine tonsils, adenoids, and nasopharyngeal washes from children with and without adenotonsillar hypertrophy.
Main Results:
- High frequencies (>50%) of Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected in both groups.
- Adenoids and palatine tonsils of patients with severe hypertrophy showed higher rates of bacterial coinfection.
- Simultaneous detection of Moraxella catarrhalis in adenoids, palatine tonsils, and nasopharyngeal washes correlated with more severe tonsillar hypertrophy.
Conclusions:
- Common bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are frequently found in the upper respiratory tract of children.
- Moraxella catarrhalis may be associated with the development of more severe adenotonsillar hypertrophy, potentially due to inflammatory conditions favoring its colonization.
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