Prospective study of microflora of surface and core bacteria in chronic tonsillitis

Introduction: The constant controversy between the paediatrician and ENT surgeon regarding management of chronic tonsillitis has been going on for centuries , now the indication for adenotonsillectomy has become more precise and specific , with chronic tonsillitis being one of the most important indication Materials and Methods: The prospective study is carried out on a scientific principle to find out the correct modality of treatment in chronic tonsillitis by comparing the surface and tissue culture for pathogenic bacteria in the tonsils RESULTS: out of 100 patients taken up for study most common surface bacteria was 36- staphylococci and 35- alpha streptococci in surface bacteria and most common core bacteria being 29- beta hemolytic group A streptococci. Discussion: Among the 100 cases only 19 cases were found to have identical flora in the surface and the core.it indicates that superficial throat swab is not diagnostic of the type of infection Conclusion: The reliability of conventional throat swab is questionable, because of marked difference in the surface and core tissue pathogenic bacterial flora.