DETECTION OF BETA-LACTAMASE IN TONSILS OB TAINED AFTER TONSILLECTOMY IN CHILDREN

Production of beta-lactamase was detected using a microbiological assa y (Gots test) in samples of tonsils, and by in Haemophilus growing fro m the same samples of both tonsils obtained from 30 children aged 2 to 13 years (18 aged < 6 years and 12 aged greater than or equal to 6 ye ars). Two pieces from each tonsil, core and superficial, were studied. The procedure included direct microscopic examination of smears, and culture to identify Haemophilus, beta-haemolytic streptococci and Stre ptococcus pneumoniae. Gots test was positive in tonsillar tissue obtai ned from 26 children (14 aged < 6 years and 2 aged greater than or equ al to 6 years) (p < 0.01). In 10 of them (9 aged < 6 years and 1 aged greater than or equal to 6 years) (p < 0.05) grew beta-lactamase produ cer Haemophilus influenzae. One to three varieties of Haemophilus coul d be found in 28 children (11 with H. influenzae = 5 beta-lactamase +, 8 with Haemophilus parainfluenzae 3 beta-lactamase +); Group A, C, or G streptococci in 5 children, but no strain of Streptococcus pneumoni ae. No difference could be demonstrated between core and superficial s amples: beta-lactamase activity was positive in superficial samples fr om 26 children and core samples from 24. Almost all bacteria described grew from superficial as well as (slightly but no significantly less) from core samples.