CHRONIC INFLAMMATION OF THE TONSILS ASSOCIATED WITH EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS

Aim - to identify the prevalence of chronic tonsillitis in the Samara region and the causes of its recurrence. Materials and methods. The authors analyzed the frequency of occurrence of chronic tonsillitis among the patients of the Samara Diagnostic Center for the period from 2011 to 2016, the frequency of quinsy and paratonsillar abscesses. Middle-aged and elderly people with signs of chronic tonsillitis were examined for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus. Results. 56 adult and elderly patients aged from 44 to 75 years (18 men - 31% and 38 women - 65.5%) underwent additional examination of saliva and blood for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus. The analyses were taken on an empty stomach in the morning. When taking saliva, hygienic treatment of the oral cavity was not carried out. Saliva was investigated by a qualitative method of PCR diagnostics. We also performed serodiagnostic assay by ELISA. DNA of Epstein-Barr virus was discovered in 16 patients (27.6%), IgG antibodies to nuclear antigen (EBNA) - in 13 patients (22%), and 1 patient (1.7%) had IgM antibodies to capsid antigen (VCA). Thus, 1.7% of Epstein-Barr virus was diagnosed at an early stage, 22% of patients had infection in the past and 27.6% had recent infection. Conclusions. Presented evidence suggests that it is necessary to combine examination of the content of tonsillar lacunae with PCR and ELISA diagnostics for Epstein-Barr virus not only in young patients of working age with chronic tonsillitis, but also in middle-aged and elderly patients with chronic tonsillitis in order to improve the efficiency and quality of the treatment at the stage of outpatient visit.

chronic tonsillitis, Epstein-Barr virus, relapse