As a medical expert, I specialize in the study of infectious diseases and understand the intricacies of the human immune system. It's important to clarify that the tonsils, while an essential part of the body's immune defense, are not the sole barrier against infections such as strep throat.

Strep throat is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, and it can affect anyone regardless of whether they have tonsils or not. The tonsils are lymphoid tissues that help filter out bacteria and viruses from the throat. However, even without tonsils, the body still has a robust immune system with other mechanisms to fight off infections.

The misconception that tonsillectomy, the surgical removal of the tonsils, makes one immune to strep throat is not accurate. While it is true that the tonsils can be a site for the bacteria to grow and cause infection, their removal does not eliminate the risk of contracting the disease. The throat and other parts of the respiratory system remain susceptible to bacterial invasion.

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from infections. Even without tonsils, the body has other lymphoid tissues such as the adenoids, lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches in the gut, which continue to play a crucial role in immune defense.

Additionally, the body's mucosal surfaces, including the lining of the throat, produce mucus and other secretions that trap and prevent the spread of pathogens. The cilia, tiny hair-like structures on the cells lining the respiratory tract, also help to move mucus and trapped particles out of the body.

It's also worth noting that an individual who has had their tonsils removed may experience a different presentation of symptoms if they do contract strep throat. According to Steady Health, they might suffer from symptoms of an isolated infection of the throat. This could mean that the usual signs of tonsillitis, such as swollen tonsils, may not be present, but other symptoms like sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck could still occur.

In conclusion, the absence of tonsils does not make an individual immune to strep throat. The body's immune system is a multifaceted defense mechanism that continues to function effectively even without tonsils. It is always important to maintain good hygiene practices, seek medical advice when experiencing symptoms of a sore throat, and get tested for strep throat if necessary.

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You Could Still Have Strep Throat Even If You Don't Have Tonsils. Some people think that once they have their tonsils removed, they're immune to diseases like strep throat, but this is not the case. ... They can also suffer from symptoms of an --isolated infection of the throat,-- according to Steady Health.read more >>