Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
Massilia sp. isolated from otitis media
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Republic of Korea. aseptic@schmc.ac.kr
Abstract:
Common bacterial pathogens of otitis media include Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, alpha-hemolytic streptococci, and Group A streptococci. We recently isolated a gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium from a patient with otitis media following tympanocentesis. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies of effusion identified this strain (CCUG 43427AT) as Massilia sp. (99.7%). Massilia spp. have been isolated from soil, air, and immunocompromised patients. However, there are no reports of their isolation from cases of otitis media. This case report highlights a rare and novel bacterial organism of otitis media.
Insights
A novel Massilia species bacterium was identified in a patient with otitis media, a rare occurrence not previously reported in otitis media cases. This finding expands the known spectrum of bacteria associated with middle ear infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otology
Background:
- Otitis media is commonly caused by specific bacterial pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
- Established diagnostic methods for otitis media typically identify known causative agents.
Observation:
- A gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium was isolated from middle ear effusion following tympanocentesis in a patient diagnosed with otitis media.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the isolated strain (CCUG 43427AT) as Massilia sp. with 99.7% similarity.
Findings:
- This marks the first reported isolation of a Massilia species from a human otitis media case.
- Massilia species are typically found in environmental sources like soil and air, and in immunocompromised patients.
Implications:
- This case report introduces Massilia sp. as a potential, albeit rare, pathogen in otitis media.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenicity and clinical significance of Massilia species in otological infections.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Phylum Tenericutes
Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
Atypical Pneumonia
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:

