Nasopharyngeal pathogens in otitis media in children

ABSTRACT

To compare the potential pathogens and aerobic and anaerobic interfering organisms of nasopharyngeal flora in 36 children with otitis media [clinically diagnosed and confirmed by tympanometry] with matched 18 apparently healthy controls. The commonest potential pathogens were M. catarrhalis [33%], S. pneumoniae [22%], H. influenzae [18%] and Strept. pyogenes [11%] with less interfering aerobic and anaerobic organisms compared to controls. Tonsilloadenoidectomy should be done in children with recurrent otitis media and further studies to investigate whether maintaining normal nasopharyngeal flora would be beneficial in those children are recommended