Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Efficient Isolation Protocol for B and T Lymphocytes from Human Palatine Tonsils
Published on: November 16, 2015
[The microbe colonization of the palatine tonsils of healthy school age children]
1Institut für Toxikologie und Umwelthygiene der Technischen Universität München.
Insights
A 1988-1992 study of 1799 Bavarian children found significant tonsillar carriage rates of beta-hemolytic Streptococci (28.6%) and Enterobacteriaceae (17.4%). Candida spp. were also prevalent, highlighting common microbial flora in young children.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood tonsillar flora is crucial for understanding respiratory health.
- Identifying common bacterial and fungal carriage in young children is important for public health surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of specific indicator-germs in the tonsillar flora of preschool-aged children.
- To establish baseline data on common microbial carriage in Bavarian kindergartens.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological examination of tonsillar swabs from 1799 children aged six.
- Analysis focused on five indicator-germs: beta-hemolytic Streptococci, Enterobacteriaceae, Candida spp., Pseudomonadales, and moulds.
- Data collected between 1988 and 1992 in Bavaria, Germany.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of beta-hemolytic Streptococci carriage was 28.6%.
- Enterobacteriaceae were carried by 17.4% of the children.
- Candida spp. were found in 11.8%, while Pseudomonadales and moulds were detected in 0.6% of samples.
Conclusions:
- Beta-hemolytic Streptococci and Enterobacteriaceae represent common tonsillar flora in young Bavarian children.
- Candida spp. carriage is also notable, suggesting potential implications for pediatric health.
- Findings provide valuable epidemiological data on microbial colonization in preschool populations.
Abstract:
In 1988-1992 the tonsillar flora of 1799 children, six years of age and staying at certain kindergartens in Bavaria (Bayern), was examined. The microbiological investigations, directed at five indicator-germs showed the following results: 28.6% of the children were carriers of beta-haemolytic Streptococci, 17.4% of Enterobacteriaceae and 11.8% of Candida spp., Pseudomonadales and moulds could be found in 0.6% of the specimens.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to the Human Microbiota
Development of Human Microbiota
The Oral Microbiota
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Colonisation of Pathogens

