Studies of anaerobic bacteria in chronic otitis media

In the 760 cases of chronic otitis media studied from 1970 to 1976, the detection ratio of anaerobic bacteria and the relation between the nature of anaerobic bacteria and the conditions of focus were investigated. In 8.2% of 760 cases 9 kinds and 81 strains of anaerobic bacteria was detected. Most of the anaerobic bacteria were Peptococcus sp. or Bacteroides sp. and in general non-sporogenic anaerobic bacteria accounted for 97.5%. Anaerobes were frequently detected in cases where the middle ear cavity was filled with cholesteatoma or granulation and in cases of infection recurring after operation.