[Bacteriology in infectious and obstructive adenoid-tonsillar pathology]

Infectious and obstructive adenotonsillar processes are common in the pediatric population. Bacteriological and serological studies were made of acute tonsillitis, recurrent acute tonsillitis with tonsillar hypertrophy, and tonsillar hypertrophy. Positive cultures were more frequent in tonsils than in adenoids. Pathogenic microorganisms were isolated more often in infectious than in obstructive processes. Anti-streptococcal antibody titers were raised in infectious processes, but remained within normal limits in obstructive processes. Serum total IgE levels were similar in both processes. These findings show that tonsillar hypertrophy is not related directly with microorganisms or atopic pathology.