Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Efficient Isolation Protocol for B and T Lymphocytes from Human Palatine Tonsils
Published on: November 16, 2015
[Detection of beta-lactamase in samples obtained after tonsillectomy in children]
J C Borderon1, M J Ployet, V Bayart
1Unité de Pathologie Infectieuse Pédiatrique, Centre de Pédiatrie Gatien de Clocheville, Tours, France.
Insights
Beta-lactamase production was detected in tonsil samples from children using the Guts test. Beta-lactamase-producing Haemophilus influenzae was found in 10 children, particularly those under 6 years old.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Tonsillar infections are common in children.
- Beta-lactamase production by bacteria can lead to antibiotic resistance.
- Understanding the prevalence of beta-lactamase in tonsillar bacteria is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect beta-lactamase production in pediatric tonsil samples.
- To identify bacterial species, including Haemophilus, associated with beta-lactamase activity.
- To investigate potential differences in bacterial presence and beta-lactamase activity between core and superficial tonsil samples.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological assay (Guts test) for beta-lactamase detection in tonsil tissue.
- Direct microscopic examination of tonsil smears.
- Bacterial culture to identify Haemophilus species, beta-hemolytic streptococci, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Analysis of both core and superficial tonsil samples from 30 children (aged 2-13 years).
Main Results:
- Beta-lactamase activity was detected in tonsillar tissue from 26 out of 30 children (86.7%).
- Beta-lactamase-producing Haemophilus influenzae was identified in 10 children (33.3%), predominantly in those under 6 years old.
- Haemophilus species were found in 28 children, with beta-lactamase activity noted in several isolates.
- No significant difference in beta-lactamase activity or bacterial presence was observed between core and superficial tonsil samples.
Conclusions:
- Beta-lactamase production is prevalent in pediatric tonsils, often associated with Haemophilus species.
- Younger children (< 6 years) showed a higher prevalence of beta-lactamase-producing H. influenzae.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering beta-lactamase activity in pediatric tonsillar infections for appropriate antibiotic selection.
Abstract:
Production of beta-lactamase was detected using a microbiological assay (Guts test) in samples of tonsils, and by in Haemophilus growing from the same samples of both tonsils obtained from 30 children aged 2 to 13 years (18 aged < 6 years and 12 aged > or = 6 years). Two pieces from each tonsil, core and superficial, were studied. The procedure included direct microscopic examination of smears, and culture to identify Haemophilus, beta-haemolytic streptococci and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Guts test was positive in tonsillar tissue obtained from 26 children (14 aged < 6 years and 2 aged > or = 6 years) (p < 0.01). In 10 of them (9 aged < 6 years and 1 aged > or = 6 years) (p < 0.05) grew beta-lactamase producer Haemophilus influenzae. One to three varieties of Haemophilus could be found in 28 children (11 with H. influenzae = 5 beta-lactamase +, 8 with Haemophilus parainfluenzae = 3 beta-lactamase +); Group A, C, or G streptococci in 5 children, but no strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae. No difference could be demonstrated between core and superficial samples: beta-lactamase activity was positive in superficial samples from 26 children and core samples from 24. Almost all bacteria described grew from superficial as well as (slightly but no significantly less) from core samples.
