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Antibiotic resistance in pathogens causing acute otitis media in Finnish children

Saara Sillanpää1, Markku Sipilä2, Heikki Hyöty3

  • 1Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Tampere, 33520 Tampere, Finland; Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Tampere University Hospital and School of Medicine, University of Tampere, 33520 Tampere, Finland.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|June 1, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Antibiotic resistance in childhood acute otitis media (AOM) pathogens is rising in Finland. However, most bacteria remain sensitive to amoxicillin, a key antibiotic for AOM treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Antimicrobial resistance
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Microbial susceptibility and resistance patterns in pediatric middle ear pathogens evolve over time.
  • Increasing global antibiotic resistance necessitates updated clinical guidance for acute otitis media (AOM).
  • Understanding local resistance profiles is crucial for effective antibiotic selection in pediatric AOM cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the antibiotic resistance profile of pathogens causing AOM in outpatient children in Finland.
  • To provide current data on bacterial susceptibility relevant to AOM treatment decisions.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 41 culture-positive middle ear fluid (MEF) samples from children aged 6–39 months.
  • Identification of bacterial pathogens and assessment of antibiotic resistance and beta-lactamase production.

Main Results:

  • Haemophilus influenzae (40%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (35%), and Moraxella catarrhalis (19%) were the most common AOM pathogens.
  • Antibiotic resistance or reduced sensitivity was observed in 63% of identified bacteria.
  • Beta-lactamase production was detected in 28% of pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains causing AOM has increased in Finland.
  • Despite rising resistance, 72% of AOM pathogens demonstrated sensitivity to amoxicillin.
  • Amoxicillin remains a recommended first-line antibiotic for treating AOM in children.
Keywords:
Acute otitis mediaAntibiotic resistanceBacterial pathogensMiddle ear fluid

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