Microbiologic characteristics of persistent otitis media.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the pathogens isolated from children with acute otitis media who did not respond to antimicrobial drug therapy.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of cultures obtained by tympanocentesis from 46 children.


RESULTS
Organisms were recovered from 34 children (74%), and 43 isolates were recovered from these individuals. The organisms were Streptococcus pneumoniae (16 isolates), Haemophilus influenzae non-type b (12 isolates), Moraxella catarrhalis (5 isolates), Streptococcus pyogenes (5 isolates), Staphylococcus aureus (3 isolates), and Peptostreptococcus species (2 isolates). Resistance to the antimicrobial agent used was found in 27 (63%) of 43 isolates found in 22 patients (48%). Of patients who did not respond to amoxicillin therapy, H influenzae predominated. Streptococcus pneumoniae was recovered from 5 (56%) of 9 of those who did not respond to trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole therapy, 4 (44%) of 9 patients after azithromycin therapy, 3 (25%) of 12 patients after amoxicillin therapy, and 2 (40%) of 5 patients after cefixime therapy. Streptococcus pyogenes was recovered from 2 (40%) of 5 patients after trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole therapy and from 2 (40%) of 5 patients after cefixime therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
The data illustrate the relation between resistance to antimicrobial drug therapy and failure of patients with otitis media to improve. They also highlight the importance of diagnostic tympanocentesis in establishing the presence of resistant microorganisms.
Brook
I
I
Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
Gober
A E
AE
D000208:Acute Disease; D000668:Ampicillin Resistance; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents