Health encyclopaedia

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Causes of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is commonly caused by a viral infection. These viruses are often the ones that frequently affect the respiratory (breathing) system, and include the flu (influenza) virus and parainfluenza (the virus that causes laryngitis and croup). The Epstein-Barr virus, which is the cause of glandular fever, may also be a cause.

Bacterial tonsillitis may be caused by a number of different bacteria, but the most common are streptococcus group A bacteria.

In the past, serious bacterial infections such as diptheria and scarlet fever would cause tonsillitis, but this is now rare due to improved immunization and treatment.

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