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Adult bacterial nasopharyngitis: a clinical entity?
A Heald1, R Auckenthaler, F Borst
1Policlinique de médecine, Hôpital Cantonal Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland.
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Potentially pathogenic bacteria may cause adult nasopharyngitis, a common upper respiratory infection. This study found specific bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae were linked to infection markers.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Adult upper respiratory infections are common, with bacterial nasopharyngitis often suspected but not definitively proven.
- Understanding the causative agents of nasopharyngitis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of bacterial nasopharyngitis as a cause of adult upper respiratory infections.
- To identify specific bacterial pathogens associated with nasopharyngeal infections in adults.
Main Methods:
- A prospective case series study was conducted at a university hospital walk-in clinic.
- 507 patients with respiratory symptoms and 21 controls underwent nasopharyngeal aspiration and throat culture.
- Bacterial and viral testing, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for viral antigens, was performed.
Main Results:
- Bacteria were cultured from 56% of nasopharyngeal secretions.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Hemophilus influenzae were significantly associated with the presence of leukocytes, an indicator of infection.
- Viral infections and commensal flora were not associated with leukocytes.
Conclusions:
- Potentially pathogenic bacteria may play a causal role in adult nasopharyngitis.
- Further research is needed to confirm the role of these bacteria in causing upper respiratory infections.