Bacteriology of mastoid cells in chronic suppurative otitis media

The role of anaerobes in chronic suppurative otitis media is not resolved. Bacteriology of the mastoid air cells in this disease should clarify the significance of the various organisms. The bacterial flora of the middle ear cavity and the mastoid air cells was investigated using aerobic and anaerobic techniques. Anaerobes were isolated in significant proportions from the tympanum and the mastoid cells. It is concluded that anaerobes are important in the chronicity of the disease and an early exhibition of drugs active against bacteroides is advocated