The bacterial community and local lymphocyte response are markedly different in patients with recurrent tonsillitis compared to obstructive sleep apnoea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is now a more common indication for tonsillectomy than recurrent tonsillitis (RT) [1,2]. Few studies have addressed possible differences in pathogenesis between these two conditions. Children with RT and OSA are often being treated in the community with multiple courses of antibiotics before surgery. Current understanding of the role of bacteria in disorders of the tonsils is mainly based on the culture of tonsil swabs. Swab cultures reflect only a very small fraction of the bacteria present on the mucosal surface and may not represent the bacterial communities within the tonsil crypts [3,4].
Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology - Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Source Type: research