Expression of CD3 and CD20 in Antistreptolysin-O Titer Seropositive and Seronegative Children with Chronic

Abeer A K Mohamed1,2, Fahd A Alharbi3, Sahar Khalil1,4

  • 1Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.

Insights

Children with chronic tonsillitis and high antistreptolysin O titer (ASOT) show increased T-lymphocyte (CD3) and B-lymphocyte (CD20) markers in tonsils. This suggests a link between ASOT levels and immune cell activity in tonsillitis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric immunology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Chronic tonsillitis (CT) is a prevalent pediatric inflammatory condition.
  • Serum antistreptolysin O titer (ASOT) is a key diagnostic marker for CT and a factor in tonsillectomy decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of tonsillar T-lymphocyte (CD3) and B-lymphocyte (CD20) markers.
  • To correlate these markers with ASOT levels (seropositive vs. seronegative) in pediatric CT cases.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty children (6-10 years) with CT were divided into seropositive (ASOT ≥400 IU) and seronegative (ASOT <400 IU) groups.
  • Tonsillectomy specimens underwent histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis for CD3 and CD20 expression.

Main Results:

  • The seropositive ASOT group exhibited significant histopathological changes, including epithelial hyperplasia, abscesses, and lymphocytic infiltration.
  • Immunohistochemistry revealed marked CD3 and CD20 expression in the seropositive group, contrasting with mild expression in the seronegative group.

Conclusions:

  • Seropositive ASOT in pediatric chronic tonsillitis is associated with distinct histopathological findings.
  • Elevated ASOT levels correlate with increased T-lymphocyte (CD3) and B-lymphocyte (CD20) expression in tonsillar tissues.
Abstract