Histopathological and Microbiological Changes in Chronic tonsillitis: Tissue Response to Infection Despite Effective Management—A Case Series
Abstract
Palatine tonsils play a crucial role in the immune response to inhaled and ingested pathogens as part of Waldeyer’s ring, which includes the nasopharyngeal tonsils (adenoids), lingual tonsils, tubal tonsils, and pharyngeal bands. Frequent infections can lead to significant tonsillar hypertrophy, particularly in children, which may necessitate tonsillectomy to avoid nonsuppurative postinfectious complications. Despite appropriate medical management and follow-up, many patients continue to experience recurrent infections that impact their quality of life. Understanding the histopathological changes in response to infection is essential for improving the management of recurrent tonsillitis. This study examines the histopathological alterations in palatine tonsils, identifies bacterial pathogens within the tonsillar core, and evaluates antibiotic resistance patterns in patients undergoing tonsillectomy. A case series study was conducted in Zawia, Libya, from January to July 2023, including 40 tonsils collected from patients with recurrent tonsillitis (≥2 episodes per month). One tonsil from each patient was preserved in 10% formalin for histopathological analysis, while the other was placed in normal saline for microbiological examination. The results indicated equal gender distribution, with 70% of cases occurring in younger children. Significant associations were observed with halitosis and snoring, whereas no significant correlation was found with gender, passive smoking, or…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tobacco and COPD: presenting the World Health Organization (WHO) Tobacco Knowledge Summary
- Comparative effects of e-cigarette smoking on periodontal status, salivary pH, and cotinine levels
- Association between exposure to environmental pollutants and increased oral health risks, a comprehensive review
- Influence of gestational window on offspring vascular health in rodents with in utero exposure to electronic cigarettes
- Natural products as kinase inhibitors in lung cancer: molecular mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and clinical trials
- Nicotine in electronic cigarettes
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.