title: Microbiology of otitis media: a moving target.
abstract: The microbiology of acute otitis media (AOM) is linked to the nasopharyngeal commensal flora. This respiratory ecosystem undergoes various selective pressures, such as antibiotic consumption and vaccine use. Socio-economic conditions also influence the bacterial composition of the nasopharynx. Streptococcus pneumoniae, non-encapsulated Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and group A Streptococcus are the leading causes of bacterial AOM worldwide. This paper will discuss the causes and consequences of recent shifts in the underlying microbiology of AOM.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Brussels, Belgium. anne.vergison@ulb.ac.be
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vergison
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D001936:Moraxella catarrhalis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000382:microbiology*; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification