Bacteriology of the Tonsil Core in Recurrent Tonsillitis and Tonsillar Hyperplasia - a Short Review

Abstract

In recurrent tonsillitis, the tonsil core harbours numerous bacteria, some of which are pathogenic and may occur in great numbers. The most frequent bacteria are Haemophilus influenzae , followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes . A high tissue concentration of these bacteria correlates with clinical parameters of infection and hyperplasia of the tonsils. The role of Streptococcus pyogenes , while undisputed in acute and epidemic tonsillitis, should perhaps be re-evaluated in recurrent and/or hyperplastic tonsillitis.