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[Middle ear inflammation and fluid accumulation in the middle ear in Icelandic children]
1Oron-, näs- och hals-avdelningen, Borgarspitalinn, Reykjavik.
Abstract:
The bacterial flora was examined in 108 Icelandic children treated for middle ear inflammations during the period, 1986-1989. Among children with acute otitis media, growth of H. influenzae was obtained in pure cultures in 54 per cent of cases. Where inflammation had caused tympanic membrane rupture, both H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae were cultured in 58 per cent of the samples. In the group with persistent seromucous secretion in the middle ear, 60.5 per cent of the samples were abacterial. S. aureus was the species most commonly isolated in samples from children with chronic discharge. The results suggest H. influenzae to be more common in acute otitis media in Iceland than elsewhere.
Insights
Haemophilus influenzae was frequently found in acute otitis media cases in Icelandic children. This study highlights its prevalence, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Microbiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Middle ear inflammation (otitis media) is common in children.
- Bacterial pathogens play a significant role in otitis media.
- Understanding regional variations in bacterial flora is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bacterial flora in Icelandic children with middle ear inflammations.
- To identify common bacterial pathogens associated with different forms of otitis media.
- To compare the prevalence of Haemophilus influenzae in Iceland with global data.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial cultures were performed on middle ear samples from 108 Icelandic children.
- Samples were collected from 1986 to 1989.
- Analysis included children with acute otitis media, tympanic membrane rupture, persistent seromucous secretion, and chronic discharge.
Main Results:
- Haemophilus influenzae was found in pure culture in 54% of acute otitis media cases.
- Both H. influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were cultured in 58% of cases with tympanic membrane rupture.
- 60.5% of samples from children with persistent seromucous secretion were abacterial.
- Staphylococcus aureus was most common in chronic discharge.
Conclusions:
- Haemophilus influenzae appears to be more prevalent in acute otitis media in Iceland than in other regions.
- The study identifies key bacterial pathogens in pediatric middle ear infections in Iceland.
- Findings may inform regional treatment guidelines for otitis media.