Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Dissection of the Auditory Bulla in Postnatal Mice: Isolation of the Middle Ear Bones and Histological Analysis
07:40

Dissection of the Auditory Bulla in Postnatal Mice: Isolation of the Middle Ear Bones and Histological Analysis

Published on: January 4, 2017

Otologic features of bacterial meningitis of childhood

R D Eavey, Y Z Gao, H F Schuknecht

    The Journal of Pediatrics
    |March 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Meningitis in children rarely spreads from acute otitis media to the brain. Inner ear infections likely stem from the meninges, suggesting mastoidectomy offers little benefit over myringotomy for surgical drainage.

    Area of Science:

    • Otolaryngology
    • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
    • Pathology

    Background:

    • Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection in children.
    • Acute otitis media (middle ear infection) is common in children.
    • The potential pathway of infection from the middle ear to the brain is a critical concern.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To histopathologically evaluate temporal bones in children who died of meningitis.
    • To investigate the relationship between concurrent acute otitis media and meningitis.
    • To determine the likely route of inner ear infection in cases of meningitis.

    Main Methods:

    • Histopathological examination of sixteen temporal bones from eight children deceased from meningitis.
    • Assessment for concurrent acute otitis media.
    • Analysis of potential infection pathways from the tympanomastoid compartment to the intracranial cavity.

    Main Results:

    • Concurrent acute otitis media was present in 14 of the 16 temporal bones.
    • No direct pathway of infection from the middle ear/mastoid to the intracranial cavity was identified.
    • Inner ear infection was likely due to retrograde bacterial invasion from the meninges.

    Conclusions:

    • Surgical intervention like mastoidectomy may offer limited advantage over myringotomy for drainage in such cases.
    • Children with normal temporal bone anatomy may not be at significantly increased risk of meningitis from otitis media via direct extension.
    • Understanding the infection route is crucial for appropriate management of pediatric meningitis and otitis media.

    More Related Videos

    Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation06:59

    Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation

    Published on: February 29, 2020

    Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor04:34

    Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor

    Published on: May 26, 2023

    Related Concept Videos

    Bacterial Meningitis01:24

    Bacterial Meningitis

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
    Viral Meningitis01:18

    Viral Meningitis

    Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
    Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

    Cryptococcal Meningitis

    Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

    Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
    Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

    Brain Abscess l: Introduction

    A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...