Scientists study why some kids get repeated bouts of tonsillitis

Scientists have long been stumped by why some kids get one tonsil infection after another when battling strep throat — but a new study might help solve the mystery. Researchers studied tonsil samples from 146 kids who had their tonsils removed for either strep-associated recurrent tonsillitis or sleep apnea. In the tonsils of kids with recurrent tonsillitis, there are smaller germinal centers, which play a role in infection response, and fewer of a type of cell that also plays a role. Their blood samples also showed lower levels of antibodies that attack a bacterial toxin tied to strep. The scientists say those findings might point to new targets for vaccines against recurrent tonsillitis, but caution there’s a need for more research.