Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils due to a bacterial or viral infection. The tonsils are a lymphoid organ in the throat and is therefore susceptible to infection by pathogenic organisms that enter the mouth. Tonsillitis is characterized by swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, a fever and sore throat.
Epstein-Barr Virus
The "kissing disease", also known as mononucleosis, is a medical condition characterized by an inflammation and infection of the tonsils. Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is transmitted via direct contact with someone infected with the virus. The Epstein-Barr virus is highly contagious and is usually transmitted through saliva and primarily infects the tonsils. Symptoms commonly associated with mononucleosis include swollen tonsils, a clear or grayish coating on the tonsils, a sore throat, fatigue and difficulty swallowing.
Group A Streptococcus bacteria
Strep throat is medical condition characterized by a bacterial infection of the tonsils and throat. Group A Streptococcus bacteria are the most common bacterial pathogens, resulting in a strep throat and consequently tonsillitis. Strep throat is a highly contagious disease transmitted by breathing in air droplets contaminated with group A Streptococcus bacteria. According to Kids Health, symptoms commonly associated with strep throat include swollen or enlarged tonsils, a sudden fever, swollen lymph nodes, a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Strep throat is treated with antibiotics.
Bacterial and Viral Pathogens
According to Itonsil.com, chronic tonsillitis in preschool children and infants is usually caused by the cold or flu virus. Hemophilus bacteria, Streptococcus, Staphylocci and Pneumococci are the causative agents for chronic tonsillitis in adults and adolescents. The measles virus, adenovirus and cytomegalovirus also cause acute tonsillitis, notes the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. In rare cases, bacterial organisms such as N. gonorrhea and diphtheria can also cause an infection of the tonsils.
