Relation between Actinomycosis and Histopathological and Clinical Features of the Palatine Tonsils: An Iranian Experience

BACKGROUND: Actinomycosis of the tonsils has been reported in a variable percentage of tonsil specimens by other authors. This study determines the incidence of actinomyces in the palatine tonsil and evaluates the clinical diagnoses and histopathological features of tonsillectomy specimens. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 204 patients who had undergone tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis (group A) and for sleep apnea without a history of recurrent tonsillitis (group B) were enrolled. RESULTS: The prevalence rate was significantly higher in the adult compared with the pediatric population. The prevalence of tonsillar actinomycetes colonization was higher in patients who had undergone tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis (43.9%) than in patients who had undergone tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea (26.3%). The prevalence did not differ by sex of patient. Histopathological analysis of resected tonsils did not show active tissue infection. There was a statistically significant relationship between the presence of actinomycosis and age, with a greater occurrence of actinomycosis in adult patients. CONCLUSION: Although actinomyces colonization is more prevalent in patients with recurrent tonsillitis than sleepdisordered breathing, but the presence of actinomyces does not indicate any active disease.