Prevalence of parallel infection of dental caries and tonsillitis among some Iraqi children

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to investigate the role of dental caries-causing bacteria in increasing acute or chronic tonsillitis among Iraqi children. Materials and Methods: 120 patients were part of the study and were divided into 6 groups; each group had 20 patients aged 6–12. Swab samples were obtained from dental plaque and tonsils to identify the bacterial flora. Identification methods included metabolic capability, microscopic reading, and biochemical reaction. Results: The results showed that Streptococcus pneumonia was the most common Gram-positive bacterial species isolated from three different groups and control rate (32.9 %). Also, Moraxella catarrhalis, Granulicatella elegant and Streptococcus parasanguinis appeared in both tonsillitis and dental caries. Conclusion: An interesting association between dental caries and tonsillitis in children aged 6 to 12 appeared. Most Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial isolates were multi-drug resistant to antimicrobial agents. Keywords: parallel infection, dental caries, tonsillitis, Iraqi children.