Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2014
Detection rates of bacteria in chronic otitis media with effusion in children
Chul-Won Park1, Jang-Hee Han, Jin-Hyeok Jeong
1Department of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
This study was performed to investigate polymerase chain reaction-based detection of bacterial DNA in middle ear fluid and assess the correlation between the PCR-positive rate with several factors associated with middle ear effusion. The purpose was to gain a further understanding of bacterial infection as a major cause of otitis media with effusion. Of the 278 specimens of middle ear fluid, 39 (14%) tested positive by ordinary culture. The overall detection rate of bacterial DNA using the PCR method was 36.7% for middle ear effusion, and bacterial DNA detection rates of Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis in the middle ear effusion were 29.1%, 4.7% and 10.8%, respectively. The bacterial DNA detection rate was higher in ears with a history of acute otitis media than those without the history. High detection rates were observed in patients younger than 48 months who have had a higher tendency to present with acute otitis media. We concluded that PCR is a more sensitive method for the detection of bacteria in middle ear effusion than ordinary culture, and acute otitis media is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion.
Insights
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detects bacterial DNA in middle ear fluid more effectively than culture. This method reveals a higher prevalence of bacterial infection in acute otitis media cases, contributing to middle ear effusion.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common condition, often linked to bacterial infections.
- Understanding the role of specific bacteria in OME pathogenesis is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting bacterial DNA in middle ear fluid (MEF).
- To correlate PCR-positive rates with factors such as acute otitis media history and patient age.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 278 middle ear fluid specimens.
- Comparison of bacterial DNA detection rates using PCR versus traditional culture methods.
- Identification of specific bacterial species: *Hemophilus influenzae*, *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, and *Moraxella catarrhalis*.
Main Results:
- PCR detected bacterial DNA in 36.7% of MEF samples, significantly higher than the 14% positive rate by culture.
- Prevalence rates for specific bacteria via PCR: *H. influenzae* (29.1%), *M. catarrhalis* (10.8%), and *S. pneumoniae* (4.7%).
- Higher bacterial DNA detection rates were observed in patients with a history of acute otitis media and in children younger than 48 months.
Conclusions:
- PCR is a more sensitive diagnostic tool for identifying bacterial presence in middle ear effusion compared to standard culture.
- Acute otitis media is a significant factor in the development of otitis media with effusion.
