Microbiology of otitis media: a moving target

Vaccine. 2008 Dec 23:26 Suppl 7:G5-10. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.11.006.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Bacterial Infections / epidemiology
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Haemophilus influenzae / drug effects
  • Haemophilus influenzae / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Moraxella catarrhalis / drug effects
  • Moraxella catarrhalis / isolation & purification
  • Nasopharynx / microbiology*
  • Otitis Media / epidemiology
  • Otitis Media / microbiology*
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae / drug effects
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae / isolation & purification
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / drug effects
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / isolation & purification