title: Microbiology of the middle meatus in children requiring adenotonsillectomy.
abstract: Middle meatus samples were cultured in 120 children undergoing adenotonsillectomy with, or without, insertion of ventilation tubes. Every child (except one) had positive cultures. Haemophilus influenzae (62 per cent of the children), Moraxella catarrhalis (53 per cent) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (48 per cent) were the most commonly isolated bacteria. The presence of Moraxella catarrhalis and (to a lesser extent) Streptococcus pneumoniae was higher in younger children, while Haemophilus influenzae was cultured independently of age. Culture results of these middle meatal samples, carefully taken in order to avoid any contamination, probably reflect some ongoing sinus infection in these children requiring adenotonsillectomy. The problems inherent in the interpretation of surface cultures are addressed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), Belgium.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gordts
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Abu Nasser
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pierard
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Meyvisch
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Clement
mesh_terms: D000233:Adenoidectomy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D001936:Moraxella catarrhalis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000382:microbiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014068:Tonsillectomy; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery