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Published on: August 7, 2017

Relationship among peripheral leukocyte counts, etiologic agents and clinical manifestations in acute otitis media

Ari Polachek1, David Greenberg, Noga Lavi-Givon

  • 1Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|May 8, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Children with Streptococcus pneumoniae acute otitis media (AOM) show higher leukocyte counts than those with Haemophilus influenzae or culture-negative AOM. Leukocyte counts decreased during antibiotic treatment for AOM, irrespective of bacterial eradication.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Hematology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood infection.
  • Peripheral leukocyte counts can indicate the severity and etiology of AOM.
  • Understanding these markers aids in diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze peripheral leukocyte counts in children with AOM.
  • To correlate counts with etiological agents, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes.
  • To investigate the impact of prior treatments and AOM history.

Main Methods:

  • Leukocyte counts were measured at diagnosis and during antibiotic therapy in children aged 3-36 months with AOM.
  • Clinical severity was assessed using a standardized clinical score.
  • Etiology was determined by middle ear fluid cultures.

Main Results:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae AOM showed significantly higher leukocyte and absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) compared to Haemophilus influenzae or culture-negative AOM.
  • Fever and S. pneumoniae isolation were independently associated with elevated leukocyte and ANC.
  • Leukocyte counts decreased significantly during antibiotic therapy, regardless of bacterial eradication.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated leukocyte and ANC levels are characteristic of pneumococcal AOM.
  • Peripheral leukocyte counts decrease with antibiotic treatment for AOM.
  • S. pneumoniae and fever are key indicators of increased leukocyte and ANC in AOM.

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