The role of beta-lactamase producing bacteria and bacterial interference in streptococcal tonsillitis

The causes of penicillin failure in eradicating group A B-haemolytic strept ococcal pharyngo-tonsillitis are described. The mechanisms accounting for t he failure include the presence in the tonsils of p-lactamase producing bac teria and the absence of bacterial interference. The use of antimicrobials that can overcome acid modulate these two phenomena and achieve better cure of the infection is described. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. and Internat ional Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.