Microbiology of otitis media: a moving target.
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.
Vergison
Anne
A
Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Brussels, Belgium. anne.vergison@ulb.ac.be
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