[Comparison of adenoid and tonsil core cultures in chronic adenotonsillitis].

OBJECTIVES: Tonsil and adenoid core cultures were compared and beta-lactamase producing bacteria were determined in patients with chronic adenotonsillitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients (21 boys, 11 girls; mean age 5 years) with chronic adenotonsillitis underwent elective adenotonsillectomy. The core swaps of tonsil and adenoid tissues were obtained under sterile conditions and were inoculated in 5% sheep blood agar, eosin methylene blue agar, and chocolate agar plates. The frequency of beta-lactamase producing isolates were assessed. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen both in tonsil and adenoid core cultures. Among pathogenic bacteria isolated from tonsil (n=27) and adeonid (n=22) cultures, the same strains were isolated in 20 cultures (75%). The frequencies of beta-lactamase producing bacteria were 44% and 41% in tonsil and adenoid core cultures, respectively. S. aureus was associated with beta-lactamase production in 88% and 100% in tonsil and adenoid tissues, respectively. CONCLUSION: Differences between tonsil surface and core bacterial flora may have implications in the etiopathogenesis and treatment of chronic tonsillitis. The range of species isolated seems to be similar for both chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis.