Microbiology of the tonsils and adenoids in a pediatric population.
Publication/Presentation Date
7-1-1988
Abstract
To investigate the microbial flora of the tonsils and adenoids, the core tissue from the tonsils and adenoids of 50 children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for either recurrent infection or airway obstruction was cultured aerobically and anaerobically, and the number of bacterial colonies was quantitated. The most common organisms isolated were alpha-hemolytic streptococci, nonpathogenic Neisseria species, Haemophilus species, Staphylococcus aureus, and Corynebacterium species. No anaerobes were identified. Bacterial isolates from the tonsils and adenoids were similar in number and frequency of occurrence. Potential pathogenic bacteria (Haemophilus species, S aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococci, and Streptococcus pneumoniae) were identified in 40 patients. Seventy-three percent of these patients shared a common pathogen in tonsil and adenoid tissue. Haemophilus species were recovered in 54% of patients and S aureus in 46%. No significant difference exists between the type and number of pathogens in patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy for recurrent infection or obstruction.
Volume
114
Issue
7
First Page
763
Last Page
765
ISSN
0886-4470
Published In/Presented At
DeDio, R. M., Tom, L. W., McGowan, K. L., Wetmore, R. F., Handler, S. D., & Potsic, W. P. (1988). Microbiology of the tonsils and adenoids in a pediatric population. Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery, 114(7), 763–765. https://doi.org/10.1001/archotol.1988.01860190067025
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
3382530
Department(s)
Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology
Document Type
Article