Presence of microorganisms in children with pharyngotonsillitis and healthy controls: a prospective study in primary healthcare

Purpose: Most studies on paediatric pharyngotonsillitis focus on group A streptococci. This study, however, analyses a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses related to paediatric pharyngotonsillitis and evaluates their associated clinical symptoms and courses. Methods: This observational prospective study in primary healthcare includes 77 children aged < 15 with a sore throat and 34 asymptomatic children, all of whom were sampled from the tonsils with an E-swab^® for analysis with culture and PCR for 14 bacteria and 15 viruses. Patients were evaluated clinically, and their symptoms recorded in diaries for 10 days. Participants were followed up for 3 months by reviewing medical records. Results: A pathogen was detected in 86% of patients and in 71% of controls (P = 0.06). Bacteria were found in 69% of patients and 59% of controls (P = 0.3), and viruses in 36% and 26%, respectively (P = 0.3). Group A streptococci was the most common finding, with a prevalence of 49% and 32%, respectively (P = 0.1). Clinical signs were not useful for distinguishing pathogens. None of the controls and 16% of the patients reconsulted for a sore throat within 3 months. Conclusion: Bacteria were more common than viruses in both study groups. The high rate of pathogens in asymptomatic children interferes with diagnoses based on aetiology.