The role of beta-lactamase producing bacteria and bacterial interference in streptococcal tonsillitis.
The causes of penicillin failure in eradicating group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal pharyngo-tonsillitis are described. The mechanisms accounting for the failure include the presence in the tonsils of beta-lactamase producing bacteria and the absence of bacterial interference. The use of antimicrobials that can overcome and modulate these two phenomena and achieve better cure of the infection is described.
Brook
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Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine, 4431 Albemarle Street, Washington, DC 20016, USA. brook@mx.afrri.usuhs.mil
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001419:Bacteria / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010403:Penicillin Resistance; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D001618:beta-Lactamases