SENSITIVITY TREND OF BACTERIAL FLORA IN PATIENTS WITH TONSILLITIS

Abstract

Introduction:

The Tonsils are important components of the immune system found in the oropharynx and their infections are quite common. They are immunologically more active in the first few years of life and regress gradually with age. Although pharmacological therapy may be sufficient in the treatment of acute cases, tonsillectomy is considered the treatment of choice in the managing recurrent and chronic tonsillitis. The tonsils are situated in areas where microorganisms are teeming, enabling the passage of organisms through areas of inflamed epithelium. The need for this research was to characterise and report the various causative bacteria that are commonly found in patients with tonsillitis and note any changing trends, if any.

Aim:

            To evaluate the bacteriological flora of patients with tonsillitis and find the common organisms causing tonsillitis and assess their pharmacological susceptibility profile.

Materials and Methods:

            This was a retrospective and prospective study. Convenient sampling was done. The study population included patients diagnosed as tonsillitis (acute / chronic) by the ENT department. Sample size was 163. The common causative organisms causing Tonsillitis were identified and their sensitivity pattern to the commonly used antibiotics was studied. The population demographics was recorded.

Observation and Results:

            A change in pattern of sensitivity was noted. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes were the most common organisms isolated. The sensitivity pattern included drugs of higher class like Piperacillin-Tazobactam, Linezolid, Vancomycin, etc. Regular protocol-based drugs showed poor activity. Treatment protocols were updated based on the observations.

Conclusion:

From the study, it was evident that use of antibiotics for treatment of infections like tonsillitis without relevant investigations can lead to rapid development of resistance and difficulty in protecting the population from secondary, stronger and more hazardous spread of infection. Justified use of antibiotics is advocated. The sensitivity trend may further change and regular hospital-based population studies should be advised.