THE VALUE OF QUANTITY OF STREPTOCOCCI ON THE NASAL AND OROPHARYNGEAL MUCOSA ON THE FORMATION OF THE CELLULAR IMMUNITY...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a common viral illness in children.
• The role of bacterial co-infections, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes, in modulating the immune response during IM requires further elucidation.
• Understanding the impact of bacterial load on immune cell function is crucial for managing IM complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively analyze the cellular immune response in children with IM based on Streptococcus pyogenes dissemination levels.
• To determine the correlation between Streptococcus pyogenes concentration and the severity and duration of IM in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of cellular immunity.
• Bacteriological examination of nasal and oropharyngeal mucosa in 60 children (3-7 years old) with IM.
• Grouping patients based on Streptococcus pyogenes concentration (≥10-5 vs. <10-4).

Main Results:

• Children with Streptococcus pyogenes concentrations of 10-5 and higher exhibited partial cellular immunodeficiency.
• This immunodeficiency persisted into the early convalescence period.
• Higher bacterial loads correlated with increased disease severity and prolonged clinical manifestations.

Conclusions:

• Elevated Streptococcus pyogenes levels in the nasopharyngeal mucosa of children with IM contribute to partial immunodeficiency.
• Bacterial presence significantly influences the immune response, disease course, and clinical outcomes.
• Findings necessitate consideration of bacterial load in managing IM patients during acute and convalescent phases.