Bacteriological Profile of Tonsillitis with Emphasis on Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and Biofilm Formation in Wasit Province

Abstract

The study investigates the antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus and its ability to form biofilm formation. In addition to the identification of causative agents Streptococcus pyogenes and other bacteria in tonsillitis patients at Al-Numaniya, and Al-Zahra Teaching Hospitals between September 2024 and May 2025. A total of 130 tonsil specimens (swabs and tissue samples) were collected, of which showed positive microbial growth 110. The identification of these isolates was done based on cultural, microscopic tests, biochemical tests and the VITEK 2 system identification kits. Results indicate that 38 isolates (34.5%) were positive for S. aureus with the high prevalence observed in recurrent tonsillitis, accounting for 65.7%. Moreover, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was identified in 44.7% of cases. Additionally, Streptococcus pyogenes was detected in (20.9%) of the cases. Findings underscore the significance of S. aureus as a major pathogen in Tonsillitis and highlight the need for effective monitoring and treatment strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.