Massilia sp. isolated from otitis media

Abstract

Common bacterial pathogens of otitis media include Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, alpha-hemolytic streptococci, and Group A streptococci. We recently isolated a gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium from a patient with otitis media following tympanocentesis. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies of effusion identified this strain (CCUG 43427AT) as Massilia sp. (99.7%). Massilia spp. have been isolated from soil, air, and immunocompromised patients. However, there are no reports of their isolation from cases of otitis media. This case report highlights a rare and novel bacterial organism of otitis media.