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[Microbiological study of the nasopharynx]

J L Lacosta Nicolás1, J C Infante Sánchez, M Lantero Benedito

  • 1Servicio de ORL, Hospital San Millán, Logroño.

Insights

Adenoidectomy normalizes the nasopharyngeal microflora in children with infected adenoids. This surgery reduces key upper respiratory pathogens, with fewer detected during summer months.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Chronically hypertrophied and infected adenoids harbor significant upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) pathogens.
  • Key pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the microbiological changes in the nasopharyngeal flora following adenoidectomy in children.
  • To assess the impact of adenoidectomy on common URTI pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Microbiological analysis of the posterior nasopharyngeal wall in 90 children undergoing adenoidectomy.
  • Comparison of pre- and post-operative nasopharyngeal microflora.

Main Results:

  • Adenoidectomy significantly altered the nasopharyngeal microflora, shifting it towards a more normal composition.
  • A reduction in the prevalence of major URTI pathogens was observed post-adenoidectomy.
  • Nasopharyngeal pathogen load demonstrated seasonal variation, decreasing in the summer.

Conclusions:

  • Adenoidectomy is an effective intervention for normalizing nasopharyngeal microflora in children with chronic adenoid issues.
  • The procedure leads to a reduction in key bacterial pathogens associated with URTIs.
  • Seasonal patterns influence the presence of nasopharyngeal pathogens, with lower levels noted in summer.

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