[Beta-hemolytic streptococci in tonsil hypertrophy and recurrent tonsillitis]

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Microbiology
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Recurrent streptococcal acute tonsillitis is a common indication for tonsillectomy.
• Tonsillectomy is considered for recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy.
• Understanding microbial colonization patterns is crucial for managing these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the colonization of tonsils and adenoids by Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) and other beta-hemolytic streptococci.
• To compare colonization rates in children undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis versus tonsillar hypertrophy.

Main Methods:

• Aerobic cultures were performed on throat swabs, tonsil, and adenoid tissues from 47 children.
• Specimens were collected from children undergoing tonsillectomy for either recurrent tonsillitis or tonsillar hypertrophy.

Main Results:

• S. pyogenes was isolated from 23.4% of tonsil cultures.
• In recurrent tonsillitis cases, S. pyogenes was found in 47% of tonsils, significantly higher than other beta-hemolytic streptococci (5.8%).
• In tonsillar hypertrophy, other beta-hemolytic streptococci (33.3%) were more prevalent than S. pyogenes (10%). Adenoids showed S. pyogenes and group C streptococci in 15.7% each.

Conclusions:

• S. pyogenes is more frequently isolated from tonsils in recurrent tonsillitis.
• Tonsillar hypertrophy cases showed a predominance of non-A beta-hemolytic streptococci, S. aureus, and H. influenzae.
• Adenoids represent an important reservoir for beta-hemolytic streptococci, and throat swabs are less effective for detection than tonsillar tissue.