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Nasopharyngeal bacteriology and secretory otitis media in young children

C H Sørensen1, L P Andersen, M Tos

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Gentofte University Hospital, Denmark.

Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|January 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus pneumoniae was more prevalent in children with secretory otitis media (SOM). This finding suggests pneumococci play a key role in the development of SOM and tubal dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Secretory otitis media (SOM) is a common condition in young children.
  • The nasopharyngeal bacteriology associated with SOM requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae in the nasopharynx of young children with and without a history of SOM.
  • To explore the potential role of these bacteria in the pathogenesis of SOM.

Main Methods:

  • A prevalence study involving 112 children aged 4-6 years.
  • Nasopharyngeal swab samples collected from behind the soft palate.
  • Bacteriological analysis to identify Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
  • Comparison of bacterial isolation rates between children with current/previous SOM and healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae isolation was significantly higher in children with SOM compared to controls (p < 0.006).
  • Commonly isolated pneumococcal types (6, 19, 23) are implicated in acute otitis media.
  • Haemophilus influenzae was isolated in 50% of children, with even distribution across groups.
  • Specific biotypes (I-IV) accounted for 75% of H. influenzae isolates.

Conclusions:

  • S. pneumoniae appears to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of tubal dysfunction and SOM.
  • Quantitative differences in nasopharyngeal pneumococcal colonization may explain variations in SOM development.

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