The presence of atopy and its effect on bacterial colonization of the upper airways in children with adenoid vegetation

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of atopy and the influence of atopy on bacterial colonization of upper airway in children with adenoid hypertrophy. Material and methods: Forty children were enrolled in the prospective study. Presence of atopy was diagnosed by skin-prick test. Differences in bacterial colonization of middle nasal meatus and nasopharynx according to the presence of atopy were analyzed. Results: Atopy was diagnosed in 75% children with adenoid hypertrophy. Presence of atopy was associated with significantly more often colonization of pathogenic bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hemophillus influaenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus) in the middle nasal meatus but not in nasopharynx (P = 0.045, P = 0.483, respectively). Identification of pathogenic bacteria in middle nasal meatus did not correlate with isolation of pathogenic bacteria in nasopharynx in both groups of children. Conclusion: There is a high incidence of atopy in children with adenoid hypertrophy. Atopy is related to increased colonization by pathogenic bacteria in middle nasal meatus but not in nasopharynx.