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Pneumococcal acute otitis media in relation to pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage

Ritva K Syrjänen1, Kari J Auranen, Tuija M Leino

  • 1Department of Vaccines, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland. ritva.syrjanen@ktl.fi

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|September 9, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Most Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pnc) acute otitis media (AOM) cases arise from newly acquired Pnc carriage, not pre-existing colonization. This highlights the importance of understanding new bacterial acquisition during viral infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Acute otitis media (AOM) often follows viral infections.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pnc) is a common middle ear pathogen in AOM.
  • Pnc nasopharyngeal carriage increases during viral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between viral infection, Pnc acquisition, and carriage.
  • To understand the development of Pnc AOM in infants.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 329 infants from 3 to 18 months.
  • Assessed Pnc carriage at scheduled visits.
  • Recorded clinical outcomes of respiratory infections and AOM episodes.

Main Results:

  • Pnc AOM was linked to concurrent Pnc carriage.
  • AOM was 3.8 times more likely with newly acquired Pnc carriage.
  • 79% of Pnc AOM events involved serotypes acquired after the study's start.

Conclusions:

  • Most Pnc AOM cases are associated with recent Pnc acquisition.
  • Newly acquired pneumococcal carriage is a key factor in developing AOM.

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