Bacterial tonsillar microbiota and antibiogram in recurrent tonsillitis.

The study of bacterial flora implicated in patients with recurrent tonsillitis in a Teaching, Tertiary Institution was carried out; to identify the main organisms responsible for tonsillitis, their sensitivity and resistance to antibiotics. At tonsillectomy, swabs of Surface and core tonsillar materials were taken and cultured, bacteria isolated were identified and their antibiogram determined using standard laboratory techniques. The most frequently isolated organisms were Staphylococus aureus (70%) which was found to be the principal causative agent across all ages. Streptococus pyogenes and Psuedomonas aeruginosa accounted for 14% and 2% respectively and were most frequently isolated in children from 0-6years. This study demonstrated a marked difference between surface and deep core microflora of the tonsil in 20 patients, while in 40 patients there were no significant difference. All bacterial isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, amoxicillin /clavulanic acid and erythromycin to different degrees. Ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and cotrimoxazole; were moderately effective against the aetiologic tonsilar agents. Continuous surveillance on antimicrobial susceptibility of tonsillar materials is essential for detection of emerging trends and use of appropriate therapeutic interventions.