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Published on: August 7, 2017

Risk of acute otitis media in relation to acute bronchiolitis in children

Mohammed A Gomaa1, Osama Galal, Mahmoud S Mahmoud

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Egypt. magomaa@yahoo.com

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|October 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial acute otitis media (AOM) is a common complication in children with acute bronchiolitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenza were the most frequent pathogens identified.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Acute bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection in infants and young children.
  • Acute otitis media (AOM) frequently co-occurs with acute bronchiolitis, necessitating further investigation into their relationship.
  • Understanding the etiology of AOM in this context is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and causes of AOM in children diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis.
  • To investigate the co-occurrence of other pathogens, specifically Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), in children with AOM and acute bronchiolitis.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study included 180 children aged 3-18 months with acute bronchiolitis.
  • Middle-ear aspirates were analyzed using Gram staining, bacterial cultures, and ELISA for RSV detection in patients with or developing AOM.
  • Analysis focused on pathogens present at the time of AOM diagnosis or within 14 days of bronchiolitis onset.

Main Results:

  • AOM was present in 55.6% of children with acute bronchiolitis.
  • Bacterial pathogens were isolated in 86% of middle-ear aspirates, with 49% showing mixed bacterial and RSV infections.
  • RSV was detected in 56% of middle-ear aspirates, often concurrently with bacteria.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial AOM is a significant complication in the majority of children with acute bronchiolitis.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenza were the most frequently isolated bacteria.
  • RSV is a common finding in children experiencing AOM alongside acute bronchiolitis.
Abstract

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