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[The colonization resistance of the tonsils in healthy and frequently ill children]
Insights
Recurring upper respiratory tract infections in children are linked to dysbacteriosis and reduced tonsil colonization resistance. This study found lower levels of beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in children with frequent tonsillitis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Colonization resistance is crucial for maintaining health.
- Recurring upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children are a significant clinical concern.
- The tonsil microbiome plays a role in local immunity and defense against pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the state of colonization resistance in healthy children versus those with recurrent URTIs.
- To identify microbial differences in the tonsil flora of these two groups.
- To assess the potential link between dysbacteriosis and recurrent tonsillitis.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological identification of anaerobic and aerobic flora in tonsil samples.
- Comparative analysis of microbial composition between healthy children and those with recurrent URTIs.
- Quantification of specific bacterial groups, including Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and alpha-Streptococcus.
Main Results:
- Healthy children exhibited a tonsil flora rich in Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and alpha-Streptococcus.
- Children with recurrent tonsillitis frequently harbored pathogenic microorganisms, with rare detection of alpha-Streptococcus.
- Patients undergoing tonsillectomy due to recurrent infections showed identifiable pathogens and a significant decrease (10^3-4 fold) in LAB levels.
Conclusions:
- Always ailing children with recurrent tonsillitis demonstrate dysbacteriosis and diminished tonsil colonization resistance.
- Reduced levels of beneficial bacteria like LAB may contribute to increased susceptibility to URTIs.
- These findings underscore the importance of considering microbial balance in therapeutic strategies for recurrent pediatric infections.
Abstract:
State of colonization resistance was studied in healthy children and those presenting with recurring infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Identification of representatives of tonsil anaerobic and aerobic floras was carried out. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), alpha-Streptococcus, were present in tonsil flora of healthy children. Pathogenic microorganisms and opportunistic pathogens were recoverable from always ailing children with tonsillitis, with alpha-streptococcus being recoverable very seldom and no decrease in LAB levels being seen. In patients--candidates for tonsillectomy, pathogenic microorganisms were identifiable, with LAB levels decrease by a factor of 10(3-4). The above findings suggest development of dysbacteriosis, decrement of tonsil colonization resistance in always ailing children, which fact is to be considered in designing and implementing therapeutic measures.