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Microbiology of acute otitis media, Puget Sound region, 2005-2009

Mark S Grubb1, David C Spaugh

  • 1Woodcreek Healthcare Inc, 1706 Meridian S., Puyallup, WA 98371, USA mgrubb@u.washington.edu

Clinical Pediatrics
|February 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Acute otitis media (AOM) microbiology trends show increasing penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of ear infections. This suggests a potential resurgence of this pathogen in vaccinated populations.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Acute otitis media (AOM) remains a significant pediatric infection.
  • Understanding evolving microbial trends and resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment.
  • The impact of heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) on AOM pathogens warrants ongoing surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify trends in AOM microbiology in the Puget Sound region.
  • To analyze changes in the prevalence of key otopathogens, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
  • To assess the penicillin resistance patterns of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of electronic patient records.
  • Analysis of tympanocentesis culture results from July 2005 to June 2009.
  • Categorization of data into four respiratory disease seasons.

Main Results:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae prevalence varied across seasons (48% to 54%), with a notable increase in the final season.
  • Haemophilus influenzae proportions fluctuated (38% to 59%).
  • Penicillin resistance among S. pneumoniae isolates significantly increased from 13% to 61% over the study period.

Conclusions:

  • S. pneumoniae may be re-emerging as a prevalent otopathogen in PCV7-vaccinated children.
  • Increasing penicillin resistance in S. pneumoniae is a significant concern.
  • Continued monitoring of AOM microbiology and antibiotic resistance is essential.

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