Microorganisms in Chronic Otitis Media With Effusion

Abstract

A total of 100 patient with otitis media effusion obtained from patients suffering fromchronic otitis media with effusions was examined for bacterial smear and culture. Inmucoid effusion 82% showed positive bacterial smear, only 35% yielded positivebacterial culture. Bacterial cultures rate was higher in serous (50%) effusion. Theisolation of common pathogens accounted for the remaining 42%. The high incidenceof microorganisms in the middle ear effusions in the present study indicates bacterialcontribution in many cases of otitis media effusion. Concerning the sterile nature ofthe middle ear fluid some investigators suggested that the effusions are transudatesand are created by a negative pressure in the tympanum due to a malfunctioningEustachian tube.2It was suggested that failure to isolate organisms may be partly dueto the antimicrobial characteristics of effusions. The purpose of this study is to showpossible role of bacteria in Middle Ear Effusions.Key Words: Otitis Media, Effusion, Microorganisms.