Related Experiment Videos
Microbiology of recently treated acute otitis media compared with previously untreated acute otitis media
Abstract:
Isolates were obtained from 169 middle ear aspirates of 148 children with recently treated acute otitis media (RTOM) and from 123 aspirates of 84 children with previously untreated acute otitis media (UOM). In RTOM Streptococcus pneumoniae and Group A streptococcus (P less than 0.02) were recovered less frequently whereas Staphylococcus aureus (P less than 0.001) and Haemophilus influenzae (P less than 0.02) were recovered more frequently than in UOM. Patients with RTOM had more beta-lactamase-producing organisms and multiple isolates. Bilateral sterile aspirates were more common in RTOM although bilateral otitis media was more common in UOM. In RTOM most Branhamella catarrhalis isolates were co-pathogens whereas Staphylococcus epidermidis were always isolated in pure culture. Amoxicillin was the antimicrobial most frequently (83.9%) received for the recently treated episode of otitis media. In RTOM 62.4% of isolates were susceptible to previously prescribed antibiotics, suggesting that factors other than antimicrobial susceptibility are also important in the occurrence of RTOM.
Insights
Children with recently treated acute otitis media (RTOM) show different bacterial profiles than untreated cases. Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae are more common in RTOM, indicating treatment may alter infection dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood infection.
- Recurrence or treatment failure (RTOM) presents unique microbiological challenges.
- Understanding pathogen shifts in RTOM is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare bacterial isolates from children with recently treated acute otitis media (RTOM) versus previously untreated acute otitis media (UOM).
- To identify differences in pathogen prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and clinical presentation between RTOM and UOM groups.
Main Methods:
- Middle ear aspirates were collected from 148 children with RTOM and 84 children with UOM.
- Bacterial isolates were identified and their prevalence compared between the two groups.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility and presence of beta-lactamase-producing organisms were assessed.
Main Results:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae and Group A streptococcus were less frequent in RTOM, while Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae were more frequent.
- RTOM cases exhibited a higher prevalence of beta-lactamase-producing organisms and polymicrobial infections.
- Despite previous antibiotic treatment, a significant percentage of RTOM isolates remained susceptible to prescribed antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial etiology differs significantly between RTOM and UOM, with an increase in S. aureus and H. influenzae in RTOM.
- The high rate of susceptible isolates suggests non-antimicrobial factors may contribute to RTOM.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex factors driving RTOM and guide therapeutic strategies.