Similar recovery rates of Fusobacterium necrophorum from recurrently infected and non-infected tonsils.

Introduction: Recent studies implicate the presence of Fusobacterium necrophorum (FN) in recurrent tonsillitis (RT), acute tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess. The objective of the present study was to determine whether FN plays a role in RT by comparing bacteriologic results from patients suffering from RT, tonsillar hypertrophy and halitosis or persistent sore throat syndrome (PSTS). We analyzed both tonsils to determine the degree of concordance.

Material and methods: A prospective study was conducted in 80 patients aged 8-30 years who were undergoing elective tonsillectomy. The patients were divided into four groups according to indication for surgery. Aerobic and anaerobic cultures from the tonsillar surface and core were analyzed.

Results: FN was detected less frequently in the tonsillar cores of RT patients (22%) than in those of patients without RT (30%) (p=0.44). FN detection frequencies ranged between 20% and 35% across the four groups. Betahaemolytic streptococci groups A/C/G (BHS) were detected significantly (p=0.007) more often in the RT group than in the halitosis/PSTS group.

Conclusion: A possible role of FN in RT was not substantiated. Our results indicate that FN is likely to be part of the normal flora. The tonsillar surface and core flora carry considerable interpersonal diversity, but is very similar bilaterally in each individual. Other factors seem to play a major role in the development of the represented tonsillar diseases.

Funding: Not relevant.

Trial registration: The study was approved by The Research Ethics Committee of Aarhus County (no. 20050034).