AGE-RELATED FEATURES IN OROPHARYNGEAL MICROBIOTA AND BIOFILM FORMATION BY STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN ADULTS WITH ACUTE TONSILLITIS
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/1728.2748.2025.103.35-40
Keywords:
acute tonsillitis, oropharyngeal microbiota, age groups, biofilms, dominance index, alpha diversityAbstract
Background. Acute tonsillitis is a common reason for primary care visits. Although its clinical course is often benign, it can lead to complications such as abscesses and systemic inflammation. While age is known to influence the clinical presentation and microbiological profile, data on age-related dysbiotic changes in the oropharyngeal microbiota are limited. The aim of the study was to evaluate age-related features in the microbial communities of the oropharynx and biofilm-forming S. aureus in adult patients with acute tonsillitis.
Methods. Swabs were analysed from the palatine tonsils of 69 adult patients, who were stratified into three age groups: 18–44 years, 45–59 years, and ≥60 years. A microbiological analysis was performed to identify the taxonomic composition and colonisation density of the isolates. Alpha diversity and dominance indices were also assessed, as well as the ability of Staphylococcus aureus strains to form biofilms.
Results. S. pyogenes was detected in only 7.2 % of cases, predominantly among the youngest age group. The oropharyngeal microbiota was consistently dominated by α-haemolytic streptococci, Corynebacterium spp. and Neisseria spp. However, the frequency of opportunistic bacteria, including S. aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter spp., increased in middle-aged and elderly patients. Notably, all S. aureus strains from the 45–59 age group demonstrated the ability to form biofilms. Although alpha diversity indices showed no significant age-related differences, the microbial composition varied, with moderate similarity between groups.
Conclusions. The study confirms the presence of age-related differences in the microbial etiology of acute tonsillitis. While S. pyogenes was characteristic of younger adults, the oropharyngeal microbiota of older patients showed a shift towards opportunistic bacteria, including biofilm-forming S. aureus. These findings underscore the importance of age-specific microbiological analysis for informed clinical decision-making in acute tonsillitis.
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