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Bacteriology of Adenoids and Tonsils in Children With Recurrent Adenotonsillitis
Pulkit Mehrotra1,2, L Somu3
1Forensic Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, IND.
Insights
Recurrent adenotonsillitis (AT) in children often involves polymicrobial infections in tonsils and adenoids. Understanding bacterial profiles and antibiotic sensitivities is key for effective treatment of this common childhood condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Recurrent adenotonsillitis (AT) is a common pediatric condition.
- Infections are a frequent cause, with diverse microbial profiles.
- This study investigates bacterial pathogens and antibiotic sensitivities in recurrent AT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the bacterial profile in tonsil and adenoid core cultures from children with recurrent AT.
- To assess the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of identified pathogens.
- To inform treatment strategies for recurrent AT management.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional, observational study design.
- Core samples from tonsils and adenoids after adenotonsillectomy.
- Bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing performed.
Main Results:
- High rates of bacterial growth observed in both tonsil (91.2%) and adenoid (79.6%) cultures.
- Polymicrobial growth was common in both tonsil (27.0%) and adenoid (25.6%) cultures.
- Key sensitivities identified for tonsils: ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, piperacillin-tazobactam. For adenoids: ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, piperacillin-tazobactam.
Conclusions:
- Polymicrobial infections are frequent in recurrent AT affecting tonsils and adenoids.
- Identifying specific pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivities is crucial.
- This data aids in developing effective management strategies for recurrent AT.
Introduction:
Recurrent adenotonsillitis (AT) commonly affects children and may be associated with various complications. Infections are common etiology, and microbial profiles may vary widely in different cases. In this study, we evaluated the bacterial profile and antibiotic sensitivity of pathogens identified in tonsil and adenoid core cultures in children with recurrent AT.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional, observational study, culture and antibiotic sensitivity were performed from tonsil and adenoid core samples obtained after adenotonsillectomy of children (5 to 18 years) with recurrent AT. Children who had received antibiotics within one week before surgery were excluded. Drug sensitivity was performed only for drugs available on the hospital panel list.
Results:
Bacterial growth was observed in 83 (91.2%) tonsil core cultures (n=91) and 43 (79.6%) adenoid core cultures (n=54). In the tonsil and adenoid core cultures, poly-microbial growth was seen in 25 (27.0%) and 11 (25.6%) children, respectively. From the tonsil core cultures, the majority of the bacteria were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, cefoperazone-sulbactam, ceftazidime, cefotaxime, levofloxacin. From the adenoid core culture, the majority of the bacteria were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, cefoperazone-sulbactam, cephalexin, and cefotaxime.
Conclusion:
In recurrent AT, polymicrobial growth is not uncommon in both tonsil and adenoid core cultures. Identifying the correct pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns can help plan treatment strategies for the effective management of recurrent AT.
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