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Is Multidrug Resistance in Acute Otitis Media with Streptococcus pneumoniae Associated with a More Severe Disease?

Raluca Horhat1,2,3, Florin-Raul Horhat4, Valeria Mocanu5,6

  • 1Department of Functional Sciences, Biophysics, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Timisoara, Romania.

Medical Principles and Practice : International Journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
|August 4, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (MDR S. pneumoniae) in acute otitis media (AOM) is linked to a heightened inflammatory response and increased risk of mastoiditis. This finding highlights the importance of antibiotic resistance profiling in severe AOM cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a primary cause of acute otitis media (AOM).
  • Multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. pneumoniae presents a significant challenge in AOM management.
  • MDR strains may elicit a more severe inflammatory response compared to susceptible strains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between MDR S. pneumoniae and the severity of inflammatory response in pediatric AOM.
  • To determine if MDR S. pneumoniae infection leads to more severe clinical outcomes in AOM patients.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, single-center study involving pediatric patients with severe AOM.
  • Middle ear fluid cultures and antibiotic resistance profiling for S. pneumoniae.
  • Analysis of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and complete blood counts to assess inflammation.

Main Results:

  • MDR S. pneumoniae was identified in 35.7% of eligible patients.
  • Patients with MDR S. pneumoniae exhibited significantly higher CRP levels and neutrophil counts.
  • MDR S. pneumoniae infection was associated with a higher incidence of acute mastoiditis (p = 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • MDR S. pneumoniae is associated with a more severe inflammatory response in pediatric AOM.
  • Higher CRP levels can serve as a biomarker to differentiate between MDR and non-MDR S. pneumoniae infections.
  • The presence of MDR S. pneumoniae correlates with an increased risk of developing acute mastoiditis.
Keywords:
C-reactive proteinInflammatory responseMastoiditisMultidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniaeNeutrophilsOtorrhea

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