The Adenoids but Not the Palatine Tonsils Serve as a Reservoir for Bacteria Associated with Secretory Otitis Media in Small Children

Abstract

Our findings that the microbiome differs between crypts of the adenoids and crypts of the palatine tonsils, including the relative abundances of potential pathogens such as Haemophilus influenzae , Streptococcus pneumoniae , and Moraxella catarrhalis , may be the stepping stone for further investigation of individual microbiomes in a longitudinal design that includes recording of the fluctuating health status of the child. Such studies may have the potential to lead to new preventive measurements such as implantation of protective nonpathogens at the nasopharynx as an alternative to adenoidectomy.