Abstract
Background: It has been suggested that bacterial biofilms may be a causative factor in the aetiopathogenesis of chronic tonsillitis. Involvement of exhaled nitric oxide has been previously considered, with conflicting findings. Objective: A pilot study was performed to investigate the relationship between exhaled nitric oxide levels and the presence of tonsillar biofilm-producing bacteria in children with chronic tonsillitis. Method: Tonsillar biofilm-producing bacteria on bioptic specimens taken during tonsillectomy were assessed by means of spectrophotometry. Results: Analysis was based on 24 children aged 5-10 years (median, 7.5 years). Biofilm-producing bacteria were found in 40.9 per cent of specimens. The median exhaled nitric oxide level was 11.6 ppb (range, 3.2-22.3 ppb). There was a significant relationship between the presence of biofilm-producing bacteria and increased exhaled nitric oxide levels (p = 0.03). Children with exhaled nitric oxide levels of more than 8 ppb were at three times greater risk of developing tonsillar biofilm-producing bacteria than those with lower levels. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the possibility of discriminating children with chronic biofilm-sustained tonsillar infections on the basis of exhaled nitric oxide levels.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 267-272 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Journal of Laryngology and Otology |
| Volume | 129 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 23 2015 |
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Keywords
- Biofilm
- Children
- Nitric Oxide
- Tonsillitis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Medicine(all)
Cite this
The presence of biofilm-producing bacteria on tonsils is associated with increased exhaled nitric oxide levels : Preliminary data in children who experience recurrent exacerbations of chronic tonsillitis. / Torretta, S.; Marchisio, P.; Drago, L.; Capaccio, P.; Baggi, E.; Pignataro, L.
In: Journal of Laryngology and Otology, Vol. 129, No. 3, 23.03.2015, p. 267-272.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - The presence of biofilm-producing bacteria on tonsils is associated with increased exhaled nitric oxide levels
T2 - Preliminary data in children who experience recurrent exacerbations of chronic tonsillitis
AU - Torretta, S.
AU - Marchisio, P.
AU - Drago, L.
AU - Capaccio, P.
AU - Baggi, E.
AU - Pignataro, L.
PY - 2015/3/23
Y1 - 2015/3/23
N2 - Background: It has been suggested that bacterial biofilms may be a causative factor in the aetiopathogenesis of chronic tonsillitis. Involvement of exhaled nitric oxide has been previously considered, with conflicting findings. Objective: A pilot study was performed to investigate the relationship between exhaled nitric oxide levels and the presence of tonsillar biofilm-producing bacteria in children with chronic tonsillitis. Method: Tonsillar biofilm-producing bacteria on bioptic specimens taken during tonsillectomy were assessed by means of spectrophotometry. Results: Analysis was based on 24 children aged 5-10 years (median, 7.5 years). Biofilm-producing bacteria were found in 40.9 per cent of specimens. The median exhaled nitric oxide level was 11.6 ppb (range, 3.2-22.3 ppb). There was a significant relationship between the presence of biofilm-producing bacteria and increased exhaled nitric oxide levels (p = 0.03). Children with exhaled nitric oxide levels of more than 8 ppb were at three times greater risk of developing tonsillar biofilm-producing bacteria than those with lower levels. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the possibility of discriminating children with chronic biofilm-sustained tonsillar infections on the basis of exhaled nitric oxide levels.
AB - Background: It has been suggested that bacterial biofilms may be a causative factor in the aetiopathogenesis of chronic tonsillitis. Involvement of exhaled nitric oxide has been previously considered, with conflicting findings. Objective: A pilot study was performed to investigate the relationship between exhaled nitric oxide levels and the presence of tonsillar biofilm-producing bacteria in children with chronic tonsillitis. Method: Tonsillar biofilm-producing bacteria on bioptic specimens taken during tonsillectomy were assessed by means of spectrophotometry. Results: Analysis was based on 24 children aged 5-10 years (median, 7.5 years). Biofilm-producing bacteria were found in 40.9 per cent of specimens. The median exhaled nitric oxide level was 11.6 ppb (range, 3.2-22.3 ppb). There was a significant relationship between the presence of biofilm-producing bacteria and increased exhaled nitric oxide levels (p = 0.03). Children with exhaled nitric oxide levels of more than 8 ppb were at three times greater risk of developing tonsillar biofilm-producing bacteria than those with lower levels. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the possibility of discriminating children with chronic biofilm-sustained tonsillar infections on the basis of exhaled nitric oxide levels.
KW - Biofilm
KW - Children
KW - Nitric Oxide
KW - Tonsillitis
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84926255819&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84926255819&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1017/S0022215115000031
DO - 10.1017/S0022215115000031
M3 - Article
VL - 129
SP - 267
EP - 272
JO - Journal of Laryngology and Otology
JF - Journal of Laryngology and Otology
SN - 0022-2151
IS - 3
ER -