High Cytokine Levels in Tonsillitis Secretions Regardless of Presence of Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci

• Acute pharyngotonsillitis denotes tonsillar inflammation caused by bacteria or viruses. Here, we investigated if beta-hemolytic streptococci (beta-HS) tonsillitis would differ in inflammatory mediator response from tonsillitis of other causes. Tonsillar secretions were obtained from 36 acute pharyngotonsillitis patients and 16 controls. Bacteria were cultured quantitatively and 18 different viruses were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cytokine and prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Almost half of the patients' tonsillar secretions yielded high counts of beta-HS, and most samples contained viruses, irrespective of whether beta-HS were present or not. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was the most common virus (patients 62% and controls 13%). Compared to controls, patients' secretions had higher levels of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and PGE(2), while few samples contained IL-12, IL-10, or interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). The presence of beta-HS in tonsillitis secretions could not be distinguished by any of the measured mediators, while the presence of EBV DNA tended to be associated with enhanced levels of IL-1 beta and IL-8. The results suggest a common inflammatory response in acute pharyngotonsillitis, regardless of causative agent. The suggested correlation between intense inflammation and the presence of EBV DNA in tonsillitis secretions may be due to reactivation of the virus and/or the EBV-containing B cells.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Immunologi inom det medicinska området (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Immunology in the medical area (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

epstein-barr-virus

acute pharyngotonsillitis

surface secretion

middle-ear

children

bacteria

cells

pharyngitis

infections

chemokines

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Cell Biology

Immunology

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