ear, nose, and throat disorders
Tonsillopharyngitis
Etiology of Tonsillopharyngitis
Tonsillopharyngitis is usually viral, most often caused by the common cold viruses (adenovirus, rhinovirus, influenza, coronavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus), but occasionally by Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, or HIV. In about 30% of patients, the cause is bacterial. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) is most common (see Streptococcal Infections ), but GABHS occurs most commonly between ages 5 and 15 and is uncommon before age 3. 