Otitis media today: a challenge for physicians and the community.
Acute otitis media is one of the most common causes of medical consultation worldwide, and has a high economic impact. In this review, a clear definition between acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion is presented. The microbiology and characterization of the main bacterial isolates in acute otitis media and the susceptibility patterns are reviewed, and the latest concepts in antimicrobial treatment are discussed. The need for courses that improve the capability of primary care physicians to diagnose acute otitis media using pneumatic otoscopy, and for parental education is also discussed.
Villaseñor-Sierra
A
A
Infectious Diseases Section, VAMC, Boise, Idaho, USA. avillase@jal1.telmex.net.mx
Ignacio
J
J
Preciado
S
S