Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 30, 2025

High-Speed Human Temporal Bone Sectioning for the Assessment of COVID-19-Associated Middle Ear Pathology
03:42

High-Speed Human Temporal Bone Sectioning for the Assessment of COVID-19-Associated Middle Ear Pathology

Published on: May 18, 2022

2.4K

COVID-19 and Acute Otitis Media in Children: A Case Series

Holly M Frost1,2, Thresia Sebastian1,2, Amy Keith1

  • 1Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA.

Journal of Primary Care & Community Health
|March 15, 2022
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 and acute otitis media (AOM) can occur together in children. Healthcare providers should consider COVID-19 in children with AOM symptoms, as the diagnosis does not exclude the virus.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • The relationship between SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) and acute otitis media (AOM) in children is not well understood.
  • Acute otitis media is a common childhood infection, and understanding co-infections is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the co-occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and acute otitis media in pediatric patients.
  • To assess the clinical presentation and outcomes of children with AOM/COVID-19 co-infection.

Main Methods:

  • A subpopulation of children diagnosed with uncomplicated acute otitis media was identified from the NO TEARS prospective study.
  • Data was collected from electronic medical records and research forms for children aged 6 to 35 months during the COVID-19 pandemic (March-December 2020).
  • Clinical data, including fever, daycare attendance, and pathogen testing, were analyzed for patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 co-infection.

Main Results:

  • Out of 16 patients enrolled during the pandemic, 7 (43.6%) had AOM/COVID-19 co-infection.
  • Fever was present in 29% of co-infected children; 57% attended daycare.
  • No statistically significant differences in AOM-SOS scores were observed between SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative groups. No treatment failures or recurrences were noted in co-infected children.
  • Bacterial pathogens were identified in all tested co-infected children, and viral pathogens in 50%.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 and acute otitis media can co-exist in pediatric patients.
  • Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for COVID-19 in children presenting with AOM.
  • A diagnosis of AOM should not be used to rule out COVID-19.
Abstract

Keywords:
SARS-CoV-2coinfectionear infectionviral infection

More Related Videos

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic09:03

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on: November 7, 2020

5.0K
Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia04:32

Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia

Published on: June 28, 2018

12.1K

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
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:
1.9K
Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
190
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
656
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
62
Chronic Pharyngitis01:23

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
5.9K
Acute Respiratory Failure-I01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-I

Acute respiratory failure is a condition characterized by the inability of the lungs to perform their primary function: gas exchange. This failure leads to insufficient oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in the blood, elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), or both, causing critical impairment in organ function.
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
378