Chronic Tonsillitis: A Comparative Study of the Causative Organism Cultured Through Throat Swab vs. Core Culture and Biopsy of the Tonsillectomy Specimen

Background The current study was undertaken with the objective to compare the growth pattern of organisms and antibiotic sensitivity of the cultures on the surface and core of the tonsil and to do histo-pathological examination of the tonsillectomy specimen and compare. Materials and methords This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad over a period of 11/2 years from October 2012 to March 2014.30 patients of all age groups and both the sexes admitted for tonsillectomy for various indications were selected for the study. Results and conclusion This study proves that there are differences between the results of the surface and core tonsillar bacteriology. Rational therapy against tonsillar core pathogens include antibiotics directed against Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa like gentamycin, amikacin and ciprofloxacin. Our study has shown the imperative of continuous surveillance and antimicrobial susceptibility generally and in particular of tonsillar material for early detection of emerging resistance trends and adjustment and usage of appropriate therapeutic interventions.