Treatment of Patients with a History of Recurrent Tonsillitis Due to Group A Beta-hemolytic Streptococci

Abstract

Forty-five patients with a history of recurrent tonsillitis associated with Group A beta- hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infection participated in a prospective, randomized study comparing penicillin, erythromycin, or clindamycin therapy. Surface tonsillar cultures were obtained before therapy, 10 days after termination of therapy, and once a month for a period of 12 to 18 months. The specimens were processed for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Beta lactamase-producing aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were present in 43 of the 45 (96%) tonsillar cultures. GABHS colonization was eradicated in two of 15 patients treated with penicillin, in six of 15 treated with erythromycin, and in 14 of the 15 treated with clindamycin. In long-term follow-up, 12 of 14 patients treated with penicillin, eight of 14 treated with erythromycin, and one of 15 treated with clindamycin (p < 0.0001 when compared to penicillin and p = 0.002 when compared to erythromycin) continued to suffer from recurrent tonsillitis.