Abstract

We studied the composition, the factors influencing bacterial carriage in children rhinopharynx, and the susceptibility to antibiotics of some isolated strains. Rhinopharyngeal swabs were collected from 150 pupils aged between 3 and 5 years and submitted to qualitative and quantitative analysis using standard methods. The antibiotic sensitivity of potential pathogenic species was evaluated using disc diffusion. Factors influencing bacterial carriage were determined, using many types of statistical tests. Unclassified Streptococcus were present in all the samples and at the highest concentration (2.17 10⁸ CFU.ml^-1). Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus spp. andStaphylococcus aureus were found in 25 to 50% samples. Conversely, less than 5% of children carried either Neisseria lactamica, negative or positive Gram-bacilli. S. aureuscarriage was significantly influenced by overcrowding and the frequent use of antibiotic while S. epidermidis, Micrococcus spp. and unclassified Streptococcus were affected by the children age and/or the season. S. aureus was sensitive to Oxacillin, Vancomycin, Gentamycin and Cotrimoxazole.

Key words: Rhinopharyngitis, commensal bacteria, children, antibiotics.