Viral infections associated with recurrent tonsillitis.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Recurrent tonsillitis (RT) susceptibility mechanisms remain unclear.
• Viral infections, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), are implicated in palatine tonsil infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of viral infections, especially EBV, in the palatine tonsil's susceptibility to infections in patients with recurrent tonsillitis.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying recurrent tonsillitis.

Main Methods:

• Studied 46 patients with recurrent tonsillitis (RT), simple hypertrophic tonsil (SHT), or focal tonsillitis (FT).
• Utilized ELISA and immunostaining to detect antibodies to respiratory syncytial (RS) virus and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens (viral capsid antigen - VCA, early antigen - EA, EBV nuclear antigen - EBNA).
• Analyzed tonsillar lymphocyte culture supernatants and serum samples.

Main Results:

• Higher positive rates for antibodies to RS virus were observed in the RT group (26.3%) compared to the SHT group (16.7%).
• Approximately 70% of RT patients had high-titer serum antibodies to EBV's viral capsid antigen (VCA), versus 30% in the SHT group.
• EBV-specific antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA to VCA; IgG to EA) and EBNA-positive lymphocytes were detected more frequently in the RT group, suggesting EBV reactivation.

Conclusions:

• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and its reactivation within the palatine tonsil are strongly suggested as major mechanisms contributing to recurrent tonsillitis episodes.
• These findings highlight the importance of considering EBV in the pathogenesis of recurrent tonsillitis.